MARTINSBURG, WV - A groundbreaking ceremony in Martinsburg marked the beginning of the long awaited construction of an extension of Raleigh Street.

"It only come about like I said earlier, patience and teamwork because without those two things with a project this enormous," says Mayor George Karos.  "I still can't believe it's $38-million for just a 1.2 mile distance  but it's teamwork that really counts for everybody."

The extension will connect the intersection of Raleigh Street and Race Street to the intersection of Route 11 and Route 9 in Berkeley County.  Officials say it should help cut down on traffic congestion while allowing easier access to the hospital.

"The congestion has gone on far too long and that Raleigh Street bypass now is going to be so great," says West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin. "It connects people both way, bringing people in and be able to move people out safely. And it also is going to be fostering a lot more growth too."

"It's not only to relieve congestion downtown, but it's also a route to go to our local hospitals for fire and EMS services," says Karos.

"Well this project includes five bridges and you will no longer have to wait," says Paul Mattox, West Virginia Secretary of Transportation and Commissioner of Highways.  "There is currently a gate crossings at the railroad tracks and at times that can be an issue with trying to get an ambulance to  the hospital and this will provide a more direct access."

Mattox says this project also includes a new sidewalk, a biking path for cyclists and a new baseball field.

The Raleigh Street Extension Project is estimated to be completed by 2011.