West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) has announced plans to launch a request of qualifications (RFQ) for the design and construction of a stretch of the US Route 35 through a PPP project.

Utilizing the public private partnership (PPP) delivery method, the US 35 project will be constructed as a fully controlled access, four-lane highway from WV 869 in Putnam County to CR 40 in Mason County, which is approximately 14.6 miles.

Interested contractors will have until March 10 to submit proposals for roadbed construction. After receiving technical and cost proposals, the winning firm will be selected on May 20.

The anticipated completion of this project is scheduled for the end of October, 2018.  There will be a final paving contract following its completion.

West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin stated:

"Our state's highways are critical to our continued economic success, and I'm pleased we are moving forward with this project. By completing US Route 35, we are ensuring the safety of our residents who travel these roads each and every day, and are making it easier for business and industry to operate and achieve success in the Mountain State."

Secretary of Transportation Paul Mattox commented:

"This project will make the completion of a national freight route through the state, connecting I-64 to the Chicago metropolitan area. I appreciate Governor Tomblin's leadership that will allow the Division of Highways to use this innovative and efficient method of project delivery to complete Route 35 in West Virginia."

U.S. Route 35 is a United States highway that runs northwest-southeast for approximately 412 miles (663 km) from northern Indiana to the western suburbs of Charleston, West Virginia.