The Virginia Department of Transportation plans to utilize almost $2 million recently allocated by the federal government for the expressway project. Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority members listened to the update during a meeting in Lebanon Thursday.

Griffith addressed the board about the recent federal funds allocation.

“I am very committed to this project, this roadway has a huge benefit in Virginia and will transform the economy, or at least gives us a fighting chance to transform the economy,” Rep. Griffith said.

In addition to federal funds in the current federal budget, the expressway authority is working again with federal legislators on a funding request of $7 million for paving of additional lanes at the U.S. 121/460 intersection and Hawk’s Nest sections, Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority Executive Director Jonathan Belcher said.

According to VDOT, the Kentucky state line to Route 744 in Southern Gap is estimated to be complete in early fall 2023.

Route 744 to Route 604 in Poplar Creek will be complete in early 2025. And Route 604 in Poplar Creek to Grundy will be complete in late 2027.