New Virginia Legislation Could Give A Financial Boost To The Coalfields Expressway In Southwest Virginia. Senate Bill 887, Introduced By Senator Ben Chafin, Seeks To Carve Out An Exception For Funding For The Long-Sought 5.1 Billion Dollar Four-Lane Roadway. Proponents Claim The Route Would Boost Economic Development, Tourism And Access For The Area, While Opponents Argue It Would Damage The Environment And Is Too Expensive.