The long wait for the completion of the last stretch of U.S. 35 to be upgraded to four lanes just got longer. State Division of Highways officials told the Putnam County Transportation Committee on Monday that the new expected finish date is now Oct. 20, weather permitting. The completion date for the final 15-mile stretch between Beech Hill and the Buffalo Bridge had been set for the end of August. Gov. Jim Justice approved the final contract for paving on the Roads to Prosperity project in April 2019.