A important Announcement from Branch Hightways 'We're Halfway There'
January 8, 2015
Branch Highways has completed 50 percent of the Laurel Fork Rt. 58 project, widening 8.2 miles in Carroll, Floyd and Patrick Counties. “The team met all the construction goals this year, and we look forward to resuming work in the spring,” said Pete Copes, General Superintendent. Traffic now is using new roads in more than half the area.
There is one detour of about one-half mile in the Torry Creek section. “We appreciate the understanding and patience from the residents of the area during the construction season,” said Copes. “We have an excellent team that is committed to efficient construction activity,” he added. Copes credits the contributions of key subcontractors, including D. L. Harrell Construction of Meadows of Dan, Steve Martin’s Trenching of Martinsville, Mountain Creek of Catawba, NC, Sandra’s Marking Company of Buchanan, Adams Construction of Roanoke, and Wright Brothers of Charleston, TN. These companies and others on the team employ hundreds of workers who live in Carroll, Floyd and Patrick Counties. More than 25 years ago, the Virginia General Assembly established the Route 58 Corridor Development Program to help strengthen the economy of southside and southwest Virginia. The goal is to create a four-lane highway across southern Virginia from the Port of Virginia at Hampton Roads to Interstate 77 and eventually to Interstate 81 and the coalfields. The last section of the 680-mile project is the 36 miles between Hillsville and Stuart, which is divided into six segments. Cooked Oak, Vesta and Lover’s Leap—the remaining segments—total approximately 20 miles. The 58 project is part of a Comprehensive Agreement between VDOT and Branch Highways under Virginia’s Public Private Transportation Act (PPTA), which allows private companies to propose innovative solutions for design, construction, financing and operation of transportation improvements. Economic development, safety, connectivity and reduced traffic congestion are benefits to the Commonwealth of completing Route 58.
