In a vibrant ceremony held in Beckley, West Virginia, state officials celebrated the groundbreaking of the southern leg of the Z Way highway project, a significant infrastructure initiative that has been in the works for nearly 25 years. The event marked a pivotal moment in the state's \"Roads to Prosperity\" program, which aims to enhance transportation and stimulate economic growth across the region.

Governor Jim Justice, who has championed the Roads to Prosperity initiative, emphasized the importance of this project for the local community and the state as a whole. \"This is a transformative project for our community and beyond,\" he stated, highlighting the long-awaited progress that has finally come to fruition. The Z Way will connect Shady Spring to Beaver and extend into Beckley, with sections already open to traffic.

Greg Duckworth, president of the Raleigh County Commission, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, noting that it represents a commitment to improving infrastructure and fostering a brighter future for the area. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including contractors Cut Off Stone and Mountaineer Construction, who will be responsible for the construction.

Transportation Secretary Jimmy Riston also spoke at the event, reflecting on the decades-long journey to reach this milestone. He praised the overwhelming public support for the Roads to Prosperity initiative, which received a 73% approval rate in the recent election cycle. Riston underscored the significance of investing in infrastructure, stating, \"We have under-invested in our infrastructure for decades, and this project is a step towards correcting that.\"

The ceremony not only celebrated the groundbreaking but also served as a reminder of the community's resilience and determination to improve their infrastructure. As the project moves forward, local leaders and residents alike are hopeful for the positive impact it will have on Southern West Virginia's economy and connectivity.