Further eastward, work is continuing on a segment of the Expressway in the vicinity of Sophia and Crab Orchard near Beckley totaling 3.5 miles (5.6 km).

Grading and preliminary paving operations have been completed, as well as the gradings and bridge construction for a diamond interchange for West Virginia Route 54 and a bridge over West Virginia Route 16.

In November 2004, a contract was awarded for paving operations at a cost of $11.5 million from Surveyor Creek Road to the West Virginia Route 16 interchange.

In the fall of 2013, two contracts were awarded to grade and drain an additional two miles (3.2 km) of US 121 near Helen.

[6] On October 1, 2020, the extension to Mullens opened at a ceremony attended by Governor Justice.