Design Work Currently Taking Place for Traffic Signal on Jerry Dove Drive at New Airport Terminal Entrance
By Jeff Toquinto on May 22, 2025
Although not yet out to bid, a project that will impact the site of the North Central West Virginia Airport’s new terminal and traffic on State Route 279 is moving ahead.
Following the Tuesday, May 20 meeting of the Benedum Airport Authority, Anthony “Boo” Bellotte, a consultant working with the airport, said things are going in the right direction for the project. The project in question is the traffic signal on 279 – Jerry Dove Drive – that will allow for
safe access to and from the terminal as well as the West Virginia Aerotech Park that will be located at the entrance.
safe access to and from the terminal as well as the West Virginia Aerotech Park that will be located at the entrance.
“It is presently being designed by the West Virginia Division of Highways with a share of the fiscal responsibility being shared by the City of Bridgeport and the Benedum Airport Authority,” said Bellotte. “The design is actually going to be a two to three phase fully actuated intersection that will have protected left hand turns.”
Bellotte said the project includes other features. The work will see lane lines, arrows, and stop bars as part of the painting process involved.
“The plan right now is for the project to be designed, the bid let, and the project to be complete somewhere near the time of the completion of the four projects happening right now at the present new terminal location.”
The four projects do not include the terminal itself, as the building is complete. However, other substantial projects – including paving and 
roadway work and apron and taxiway efforts – continue.
roadway work and apron and taxiway efforts – continue.
“The hope is for all of that to be completed at essentially the same time,” said Bellotte.
Bellotte said the most recent cost projections are between $450,000 and $475,000. However, it could be lower or higher depending on how bids come in once the project is put out for contractors to bid on. Bridgeport has committed $255,000 to the project with money from the Capital Escrow Fund Budget. The city stands to be the big winner for future B&O from businesses operating at the West Virginia Aerotech Park.
Depending on the growth of the Aerotech Park, Bellotte said there could be turn lane modifications in the future.
Bellotte said a time for completion this winter is likely. NCWV Deputy Director Shawn Long said at the end of Tuesday’s Authority meeting that the goal is to have the terminal, and all projects involved done for the terminal to be open and operational by December 1. Multiple factors beyond the control of airport officials could change that.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Anthony "Boo" Bellotte addressing the Airport Authority, while NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock looks on. Bottom photo shows the sign for the future West Virginia Aerotech Park.
