AARoads Forum

I have noticed some new construction taking place at the western end of the US 74 bypass in Shelby NC.
Does anyone know what is going on with this?

I didn't think half of this project was even funded? Am I wrong?

I believe they are getting ready to pave to NC 226

Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on August 06, 2018, 09:53:14 PM
I believe they are getting ready to pave to NC 226

Correct. This has to be one of the more convoluted projects in NCDOT's recent history.

R-2707 Project Breakdown Map (https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/Project%20Breakdown%20Maps/R-2707.pdf)

There are separate contracts for paving the first three sections. Until now, they've only graded and built structures for sections A and B. Now they're going back in and cutting the grass that grew up over the last two years and re-grading to pave sections A and B (up to NC 226). It's scheduled to be finished next year, six and a half years after they first started construction in 2013, and will open a third of the bypass (which ain't very helpful).

Section C is currently under construction from NC 226 to NC 150 (grading and structures). It also has a separate project/contract for paving in 2020. It's not scheduled to be finished until 2022, which is a 5 1/2 year contract to construct less than five miles of new freeway.

Sections D and E are funded. Right-of-way and utilities are scheduled for FY 2019, with construction starting in 2021 and lasting approximately three to four years. Section D will build the rest of the bypass, and E will upgrade existing 74 to freeway standards.

So, if you're keeping track, that's about 11-12 years to build the entire bypass. Here are the timelines of similar projects currently or soon-to-be under construction:

• US 64 Asheboro Bypass: 2015-2020
• US 264 Greenville Southwest Bypass: 2015-2020
• US 70 Havelock Bypass: 2019-2022
• US 74 Monroe Expressway: 2015-2018
• US 17 Pollocksville & Maysville Bypass (to bypass two traffic lights): 2015-2020

If you look at a map of where General Assembly members live, you'll notice that none have to drive 74 through Shelby to get to Raleigh. And if Shelby was between Raleigh and the beach, it would have been bypassed 20 years ago.

Here's a nice view of the current situation (https://www.google.com/maps/@35.2743639,-81.5287828,3a,30y,290.26h,87.21t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1shxesvPUfoxsrkrIhUkmm7g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656), courtesy of Google Street View. Try to count the number of trucks.

Sorry, had to rant on this one.

Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on August 08, 2018, 06:10:52 PM

Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on August 06, 2018, 09:53:14 PM
I believe they are getting ready to pave to NC 226

Correct. This has to be one of the more convoluted projects in NCDOT's recent history.

R-2707 Project Breakdown Map (https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/Project%20Breakdown%20Maps/R-2707.pdf)

There are separate contracts for paving the first three sections. Until now, they've only graded and built structures for sections A and B. Now they're going back in and cutting the grass that grew up over the last two years and re-grading to pave sections A and B (up to NC 226). It's scheduled to be finished next year, six and a half years after they first started construction in 2013, and will open a third of the bypass (which ain't very helpful).

Section C is currently under construction from NC 226 to NC 150 (grading and structures). It also has a separate project/contract for paving in 2020. It's not scheduled to be finished until 2022, which is a 5 1/2 year contract to construct less than five miles of new freeway.

Sections D and E are funded. Right-of-way and utilities are scheduled for FY 2019, with construction starting in 2021 and lasting approximately three to four years. Section D will build the rest of the bypass, and E will upgrade existing 74 to freeway standards.

So, if you're keeping track, that's about 11-12 years to build the entire bypass. Here are the timelines of similar projects currently or soon-to-be under construction:

• US 64 Asheboro Bypass: 2015-2020
• US 264 Greenville Southwest Bypass: 2015-2020
• US 70 Havelock Bypass: 2019-2022
• US 74 Monroe Expressway: 2015-2018
• US 17 Pollocksville & Maysville Bypass (to bypass two traffic lights): 2015-2020

If you look at a map of where General Assembly members live, you'll notice that none have to drive 74 through Shelby to get to Raleigh. And if Shelby was between Raleigh and the beach, it would have been bypassed 20 years ago.

Here's a nice view of the current situation (https://www.google.com/maps/@35.2743639,-81.5287828,3a,30y,290.26h,87.21t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1shxesvPUfoxsrkrIhUkmm7g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656), courtesy of Google Street View. Try to count the number of trucks.

Sorry, had to rant on this one.

Thanks for the rundown. As one of those truck drivers, Shelby is as unsafe of an
area to drive, traffic wise, as was Kokomo Indiana before their bypass was built!
Yesterday, I had a car do a u turn in front of me, go a few hundred feet, then come to a complete stop to turn right!!

What is interesting is I took NC-16 from I-485 to I-40.
That road was great!! Even through the construction area where they are 4 laning the rest of it, traffic moved easily. I kept thinking, "Why can't they do this around Shelby?"

WOw! Thanks for the update on 74, I like to go around and picture up current projects and I was unaware of all the delay of this project.

A side note, has construction of the 64 By-Pass around Asheboro really been goin on since 2015??!

Side note 2- I drove 17 last week (I have a home in Maysville) I knew when one of my friends said it was "completed" that it was too good to be true. I do not get opening it partially at all. Just made no sense, but thats the NCDOT for ya lol.

Quote from: jcarte29 on August 08, 2018, 10:41:27 PM
WOw! Thanks for the update on 74, I like to go around and picture up current projects and I was unaware of all the delay of this project.

A side note, has construction of the 64 By-Pass around Asheboro really been goin on since 2015??!

According to the NCDOT project page, the Asheboro Bypass project started in August 2016.
https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-64-asheboro/Pages/default.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-64-asheboro/Pages/default.aspx)

Quote from: bob7374 on August 08, 2018, 11:10:40 PM

Quote from: jcarte29 on August 08, 2018, 10:41:27 PM
WOw! Thanks for the update on 74, I like to go around and picture up current projects and I was unaware of all the delay of this project.

A side note, has construction of the 64 By-Pass around Asheboro really been goin on since 2015??!

According to the NCDOT project page, the Asheboro Bypass project started in August 2016.
https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-64-asheboro/Pages/default.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-64-asheboro/Pages/default.aspx)

I was going by the let date and construction progress report (https://apps.ncdot.gov/traffictravel/progloc/ProgLocSearch.aspx). It says work began 06/22/2015, but it was a design-build contract, so some of that time in 2015 was probably spent on final design, right-of-way acquisition and relocating utilities.

You can also see a rough outline of the bypass (mainly at the interchanges) on Google Maps in satellite view (https://www.google.com/maps/@35.682412,-79.8119488,10452m/data=!3m1!1e3).

Quote from: 2trailertrucker on August 08, 2018, 09:12:30 PM
Thanks for the rundown. As one of those truck drivers, Shelby is as unsafe of an
area to drive, traffic wise, as was Kokomo Indiana before their bypass was built!
Yesterday, I had a car do a u turn in front of me, go a few hundred feet, then come to a complete stop to turn right!!

What is interesting is I took NC-16 from I-485 to I-40.
That road was great!! Even through the construction area where they are 4 laning the rest of it, traffic moved easily. I kept thinking, "Why can't they do this around Shelby?"

As a truck driver, what's your opinion of them narrowing US 74 eastbound to one lane at I-26 in Columbus (assuming you've been through there)?

Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on August 09, 2018, 05:45:32 PM

Quote from: 2trailertrucker on August 08, 2018, 09:12:30 PM
Thanks for the rundown. As one of those truck drivers, Shelby is as unsafe of an
area to drive, traffic wise, as was Kokomo Indiana before their bypass was built!
Yesterday, I had a car do a u turn in front of me, go a few hundred feet, then come to a complete stop to turn right!!

What is interesting is I took NC-16 from I-485 to I-40.
That road was great!! Even through the construction area where they are 4 laning the rest of it, traffic moved easily. I kept thinking, "Why can't they do this around Shelby?"

As a truck driver, what's your opinion of them narrowing US 74 eastbound to one lane at I-26 in Columbus (assuming you've been through there)?

I come off I-26 at the foot of Saluda to US 74. It isn't really a problem, but I know it is there.
For someone making their first trip, especially if they have hot brakes, it could be a problem.

Quote from: 2trailertrucker on August 09, 2018, 09:42:23 PM

Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on August 09, 2018, 05:45:32 PM

Quote from: 2trailertrucker on August 08, 2018, 09:12:30 PM
Thanks for the rundown. As one of those truck drivers, Shelby is as unsafe of an
area to drive, traffic wise, as was Kokomo Indiana before their bypass was built!
Yesterday, I had a car do a u turn in front of me, go a few hundred feet, then come to a complete stop to turn right!!

What is interesting is I took NC-16 from I-485 to I-40.
That road was great!! Even through the construction area where they are 4 laning the rest of it, traffic moved easily. I kept thinking, “Why can’t they do this around Shelby?”

As a truck driver, what's your opinion of them narrowing US 74 eastbound to one lane at I-26 in Columbus (assuming you've been through there)?

I come off I-26 at the foot of Saluda to US 74. It isn’t really a problem, but I know it is there.
For someone making their first trip, especially if they have hot brakes, it could be a problem.

I meant east of the exit (https://www.google.com/maps/@35.250638,-82.2070181,333m/data=!3m1!1e3), where the new ramp from I-26 west to US 74 east is being built and all traffic on 74 is now forced into a single lane to make room for the new ramp.

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1816/42168734580_6f8dc6c16f_c.jpg) (https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1816/42168734580_5bd8f3858a_o.jpg)

I am hearing from the locals that the Shelby bypass from NC 226 West to Dixon may open late this month, at least this will get the WB Walmart trucks off Dixon West of town.

Although the rest of the US 74 bypass east of Highway 226 is unfunded, hopefully it gets funded and constructed ASAP. Does anyone think this stretch of US 74 will become a future Interstate? I think North Carolina has enough Interstates at present.

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on November 13, 2018, 03:34:24 PM
Although the rest of the US 74 bypass east of Highway 226 is unfunded, hopefully it gets funded and constructed ASAP. Does anyone think this stretch of US 74 will become a future Interstate? I think North Carolina has enough Interstates at present.

It could happen, but AFAIK there's no push for it as yet.

Actually, the Shelby bypass is well under construction eastward to the 180/150 intersection right now.

Quote from: wdcrft63 on November 13, 2018, 06:12:21 PM

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on November 13, 2018, 03:34:24 PM
Although the rest of the US 74 bypass east of Highway 226 is unfunded, hopefully it gets funded and constructed ASAP. Does anyone think this stretch of US 74 will become a future Interstate? I think North Carolina has enough Interstates at present.

It could happen, but AFAIK there's no push for it as yet.

Yes I think it needs to be I-226 since they're basically out of x85s that would work, plus mile 0 would be at I-26 anyway.

I have seen unofficial reference to 426.

None of the reat of the stretch between 85 and 26 is anywhere close to interstate standard shoulders. Any interstate is a long ways off.

I went through the west end of the bypass a few weeks ago and it was freshly paved where current 74 splits off.

According to the 2020-2029 STIP Development (https://www.ncdot.gov/initiatives-policies/Transportation/stip/development/Pages/default.aspx) page, the cost to upgrade US74 to interstate standards from I-26 to the Shelby bypass is $212.5 million. It doesn't look like the project scored high enough to be included in the STIP.

Long-term, US 74 between I-26 and Rockingham might be considered as a 2di; it's likely that's not going to occur until well after (a) the Shelby bypass is fully open, (b) plans are made to upgrade or bypass 74 between the east end of the toll Monroe bypass and I-73/74, and (c) how to get such a route through metro Charlotte is determined:  bypass it multiplexed with I-485, use the upgraded US 74 through the east part (if projects on that segment even approach Interstate standards), or some new-terrain route TBD (least likely).  Probably not on anyone's radar right now. 

Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on November 11, 2018, 06:48:41 PM
I am hearing from the locals that the Shelby bypass from NC 226 West to Dixon may open late this month, at least this will get the WB Walmart trucks off Dixon West of town.

The intermediate contract completion date is 9/15/2019, so I doubt it is opening this month. The NCDOT construction progress report is showing 35% completion through 10/15/2018. Total project completion west of NC 226 is scheduled for 3/13/2020.

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on November 13, 2018, 03:34:24 PM
Although the rest of the US 74 bypass east of Highway 226 is unfunded, hopefully it gets funded and constructed ASAP. Does anyone think this stretch of US 74 will become a future Interstate? I think North Carolina has enough Interstates at present.

The rest of the bypass IS funded. Right-of-way acquisition starts next year for sections D and E (NC 180 to existing US 74, plus upgrades on existing 74). Construction contracts are tentatively scheduled for letting 6/15/2021.

Quote from: mvak36 on November 14, 2018, 01:04:48 PM
According to the 2020-2029 STIP Development (https://www.ncdot.gov/initiatives-policies/Transportation/stip/development/Pages/default.aspx) page, the cost to upgrade US74 to interstate standards from I-26 to the Shelby bypass is $212.5 million. It doesn't look like the project scored high enough to be included in the STIP.

The estimated cost was $76.8 million for the 2018-2027 STIP prioritization (P4.0). I'm not sure where the cost increase came from, and if it's more accurate ($7.1 million per mile vs. $2.6 million). That's a lot of coin to throw down pavement you can't even drive on.

A separate project to replace the bridges over the Second Broad River in Rutherford County is funded for construction in the spring of 2020 (B-5876). The bridges at Sandy Run east of Mooresboro will also need to be replaced to meet Interstate standards.

The bigger problem is that project R-4045 in Mooresboro still isn't funded in the 2020-2029 STIP. That's the last at-grade intersection between Asheville and Charlotte. Other than that, you have a four-lane, (mostly) 70 mph freeway from I-26 to Kings Mountain. Use that $200+ million for a project that's needed (probably to add shoulders and put up blue signs on a highway through a soybean field in northeastern North Carolina).

Quote from: sparker on November 14, 2018, 05:18:39 PM
Long-term, US 74 between I-26 and Rockingham might be considered as a 2di; it's likely that's not going to occur until well after (a) the Shelby bypass is fully open, (b) plans are made to upgrade or bypass 74 between the east end of the toll Monroe bypass and I-73/74, and (c) how to get such a route through metro Charlotte is determined:  bypass it multiplexed with I-485, use the upgraded US 74 through the east part (if projects on that segment even approach Interstate standards), or some new-terrain route TBD (least likely).  Probably not on anyone's radar right now. 

I agree, something in the 30s should do the trick.

Quote from: sparkeruse the upgraded US 74 through the east part (if projects on that segment even approach Interstate standards)

They're not.  More akin to a Jersey freeway....no median crossovers but several RIRO's and private driveways.

Quote from: froggie on November 15, 2018, 10:46:01 AM

Quote from: sparkeruse the upgraded US 74 through the east part (if projects on that segment even approach Interstate standards)

They're not.  More akin to a Jersey freeway....no median crossovers but several RIRO's and private driveways.

Sort of what I suspected all along -- a quasi-freeway!  Chances are that if some sort of continuous E-W Interstate were to be pursued in the future, it would utilize I-485 as part of its route much as I-465 is utilized for I-74 around Indianapolis.  Simple "path of least resistance" planning.

Quote from: sparker on November 15, 2018, 06:05:49 PM


...Chances are that if some sort of continuous E-W Interstate were to be pursued in the future, it would utilize I-485 as part of its route much as I-465 is utilized for I-74 around Indianapolis.  Simple "path of least resistance" planning.

Can you imagine how that would impact traffic on I-485 when it constructs its express lane? Ha!

Quote from: jcarte29 on November 16, 2018, 08:34:19 AM

Quote from: sparker on November 15, 2018, 06:05:49 PM


...Chances are that if some sort of continuous E-W Interstate were to be pursued in the future, it would utilize I-485 as part of its route much as I-465 is utilized for I-74 around Indianapolis.  Simple "path of least resistance" planning.

Can you imagine how that would impact traffic on I-485 when it constructs its express lane? Ha!

The planning efforts would be the gist of a "path of least resistance" -- not the outcome.  An additional GP lane on the portion of I-485 used for a E-W through-traffic bypass would be a likely way to address the issue of extra traffic. 

The I-73/74 thread in this forum has lots of discussion on the idea of creating a 2di along US 74 all the way from I-26 to Wilmington. Three sections require upgrading: 1-26 to I-85 in the west, Charlotte to I-73 in the middle, and the approach to Wilmington in the east. This idea is like a big snowball at the top of a hill: all it needs is a push to get it moving. The first person to put it out for public consideration will find that it has plenty of support all along the route, which is politically powerful because a large fraction of the state is involved.

In one of my posts I suggested that I-36 is the natural designation for the route: it fits the grid nicely and there is no NC 36.

Quote from: wdcrft63 on November 16, 2018, 06:39:52 PM
The I-73/74 thread in this forum has lots of discussion on the idea of creating a 2di along US 74 all the way from I-26 to Wilmington. Three sections require upgrading: 1-26 to I-85 in the west, Charlotte to I-73 in the middle, and the approach to Wilmington in the east. This idea is like a big snowball at the top of a hill: all it needs is a push to get it moving. The first person to put it out for public consideration will find that it has plenty of support all along the route, which is politically powerful because a large fraction of the state is involved.

In one of my posts I suggested that I-36 is the natural designation for the route: it fits the grid nicely and there is no NC 36.

Dislodging I-74 from the segment east of Rockingham might be very difficult, considering the 27 years of political capital embedded with the process of designating and building that route since its basic HPC-5 legislation.  Considering I-42 is only about 120 miles in length, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if indeed an Interstate designation of I-36 or something similar were sought for the (mostly) US 74 corridor through Shelby and Charlotte, it would have its eastern designated terminus right at the I-73/74 junction at Rockingham -- at least initially.  There's still some underlying hope in various quarters that I-74 will eventually connect to its western counterpart in Ohio; that needs to dissipate before any renumbering -- which would require legislative modification of the original authorizing legislation -- could and would occur.

Personally (and please pardon the fictional excursion here) I-36 is a fine designation for the whole US 74 corridor from I-26 to Wilmington.  I'd also propose I-48 for the section of I-74 between I-73 and I-77 via Winston-Salem.  But that would only occur when and if the folks who came up with the whole Myrtle Beach access concept -- or their successors -- recognized the reality that WV and OH have little or no interest in actually building the requisite connection.  Maybe a generation or so will have to pass before that happens!         

Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on November 11, 2018, 06:48:41 PM
I am hearing from the locals that the Shelby bypass from NC 226 West to Dixon may open late this month, at least this will get the WB Walmart trucks off Dixon West of town.

Went through there last week. I wasn't able to get a photo, but it's definitely not opening this year. No pavement markings, and it looks like there is another course of asphalt needed.

Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on November 26, 2018, 05:47:40 PM

Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on November 11, 2018, 06:48:41 PM
I am hearing from the locals that the Shelby bypass from NC 226 West to Dixon may open late this month, at least this will get the WB Walmart trucks off Dixon West of town.

Went through there last week. I wasn't able to get a photo, but it's definitely not opening this year. No pavement markings, and it looks like there is another course of asphalt needed.

I went through there yesterday and traffic westbound was backed up from NC 226 on the west side of town to about NC 150 because one lane was closed for repaving. I hate driving through Shelby so much that I would take 26 to 85 just to avoid it but now 85 is a mess with the widening between Spartanburg and Blacksburg.


iPhone

Quote from: ccurley100 on November 28, 2018, 09:37:36 AM

Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on November 26, 2018, 05:47:40 PM

Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on November 11, 2018, 06:48:41 PM
I am hearing from the locals that the Shelby bypass from NC 226 West to Dixon may open late this month, at least this will get the WB Walmart trucks off Dixon West of town.

Went through there last week. I wasn't able to get a photo, but it's definitely not opening this year. No pavement markings, and it looks like there is another course of asphalt needed.

I went through there yesterday and traffic westbound was backed up from NC 226 on the west side of town to about NC 150 because one lane was closed for repaving. I hate driving through Shelby so much that I would take 26 to 85 just to avoid it but now 85 is a mess with the widening between Spartanburg and Blacksburg.


iPhone

That's funny!  Yesterday I went from Charlotte to near Travellers Rest, SC for a quick job, got done around 5:30, and consulted Waze for the best route back to Charlotte.  At that time, taking US 25 north to I-26 east to US 74 east was equal time-wise than working my way to 85 along the normal routes.  And it had been a while since I had last travelled up SC's "half of a mountain" , so I went that route.  And I think I made record time getting through Shelby going EB, as I think I only made two complete stops at two traffic lights!  I know, I was really lucky, but I guess the 7 PM hour is favorable for traffic through there.

And I guess the possibility of renumbering NC 226, or the conflict caused by a possible interchange between them, is the reason why I-226 isn't pursued for this corridor.  So I-426 it is!

Here's a link to the 1991 feasibility study for the Shelby bypass. The feasibility study recommended a southern bypass instead of the now-under-construction (and not recommended) northern bypass.

R-2707 Feasibility Study Report (https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/FeasibilityStudiesDocuments/R-2707_Feasibility-Study_Report_1991.pdf)

Forgot this thread existed. From the North Carolina thread:

Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on August 31, 2020, 10:46:05 AM
There are recent 2 well done 4k videos of Shelby Bypass construction from NC 226 to NC 150 under you tube contributor Hi-Tech Hikers

Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on November 30, 2018, 02:31:00 PM
Here's a link to the 1991 feasibility study for the Shelby bypass. The feasibility study recommended a southern bypass instead of the now-under-construction (and not recommended) northern bypass.

R-2707 Feasibility Study Report (https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/FeasibilityStudiesDocuments/R-2707_Feasibility-Study_Report_1991.pdf)

When looking at that, I feel like that would have been better mileage-wise compared to the under construction northern bypass. I feel like that's just additional mileage and it's sort of awkward looking.

The Shelby Bypass reminds me of the Asheboro and Pittsboro bypasses. I can say for the Rockingham as well.

I think 2 big factors with going north we're the location of the Walmart distribution center near the NC 226 exit and the desire to funnel SB traffic from NC 150 and NC 18 around downtown.  I was at our Hickory location and had a situation in Forest City in the late afternoon of a Friday and to get some variety went 321 to 150 I was surprised at how much Lincolnton, Cherryville, Shelby traffic there was.

Update on the Rip Van Winkle Bypass:

• The only section currently under construction from NC 226 to NC 150 (section C) won't be finished until the spring of 2024. It is less than five miles and has been under construction for almost five years.
• After being delayed two years thanks to COVID, the remaining two sections to complete the bypass and fully upgrade US 74 east of Shelby are scheduled to be let in July 2023.
• The Lattimore Rd and Ellenboro Rd (Bus US 74) intersections will be converted to an interchange under project R-4045, which received INFRA grant funding in 2020. That project and a project to replace the bridges over Sandy Run (BR-0012) will be completed under a combined design-build project scheduled to be let in July 2023.

Google Maps shows the Shelby Bypass as completed (with no designation) from US 74 to NC 226, and under construction from there to just past NC 150. I assume the segment of US 74 from Ellenboro Rd. (Business 74) to Exit 193 (Highway 1162) will also be upgraded to freeway standards eventually.

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on February 08, 2022, 05:05:16 PM
Google Maps shows the Shelby Bypass as completed (with no designation) from US 74 to NC 226, and under construction from there to just past NC 150.

That stretch has been open for a couple years now, and yes unsigned.

Quote
I assume the segment of US 74 from Ellenboro Rd. (Business 74) to Exit 193 (Highway 1162) will also be upgraded to freeway standards eventually.

That is correct.

It will be the final piece (plus the Shelby Bypass) of a complete US-74 freeway between I-26 and I-85.

Quote from: sprjus4 on February 08, 2022, 05:13:11 PM

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on February 08, 2022, 05:05:16 PM
Google Maps shows the Shelby Bypass as completed (with no designation) from US 74 to NC 226, and under construction from there to just past NC 150.

That stretch has been open for a couple years now, and yes unsigned.

Quote
I assume the segment of US 74 from Ellenboro Rd. (Business 74) to Exit 193 (Highway 1162) will also be upgraded to freeway standards eventually.

That is correct.

It will be the final piece (plus the Shelby Bypass) of a complete US-74 freeway between I-26 and I-85.

Are there any plans of designating this stretch as an Interstate someday?

Quote from: Third Strike on February 08, 2022, 11:38:59 PM

Quote from: sprjus4 on February 08, 2022, 05:13:11 PM

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on February 08, 2022, 05:05:16 PM
Google Maps shows the Shelby Bypass as completed (with no designation) from US 74 to NC 226, and under construction from there to just past NC 150.

That stretch has been open for a couple years now, and yes unsigned.

Quote
I assume the segment of US 74 from Ellenboro Rd. (Business 74) to Exit 193 (Highway 1162) will also be upgraded to freeway standards eventually.

That is correct.

It will be the final piece (plus the Shelby Bypass) of a complete US-74 freeway between I-26 and I-85.

Are there any plans of designating this stretch as an Interstate someday?

I believe I-28 was considered at one time but those plans are dead.

No designation has ever been considered, and there hasn't been much interest beyond the local level. NCDOT did complete a feasibility study (FS-1812A, which I cannot locate on their website) in 2019 for upgrading U.S. 74 to interstate standards between I-26 and I-85. Nothing is funded, and with all the funding issues, project delays and other priorities across the state, I don't see this happening any time soon. There may be more interest once the bypass is finished, but it will take some state and/or federal reps showing some interest and pushing for the designation before anything will happen.

I do believe a major bridge rebuild near Forest City is coming up for bid.

Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on February 09, 2022, 12:25:34 PM
No designation has ever been considered, and there hasn't been much interest beyond the local level. NCDOT did complete a feasibility study (FS-1812A, which I cannot locate on their website) in 2019 for upgrading U.S. 74 to interstate standards between I-26 and I-85. Nothing is funded, and with all the funding issues, project delays and other priorities across the state, I don't see this happening any time soon. There may be more interest once the bypass is finished, but it will take some state and/or federal reps showing some interest and pushing for the designation before anything will happen.

If anything happens now, then I say it will most likely be an I-x26.

Quote from: tolbs17 on February 09, 2022, 06:49:15 PM
If anything happens now, then I say it will most likely be an I-x26.

Well yeah, because all the even x85's are all used or proposed in NC already...

Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on February 09, 2022, 04:43:17 PM
I do believe a major bridge rebuild near Forest City is coming up for bid.

Yes, the bridges over the Second Broad River east of Exit 184 and near the Facebook Data Center (B-5876). They must be in pretty bad shape, because after being delayed by six years they got moved back up the list by four years for a 1/17/2023 let. That project and the rest of the Shelby Bypass were originally scheduled to have been let last year.

Not related to the Shelby Bypass, but still on US74. Didn't they recently do some project at the interchange with I-26 to make it a full interchange? I think when I passed by there in 2017, you couldn't get onto US 74 East from I-26 West.

My guess is they will probably make it interstate-grade in piecemeal fashion when they have funding available but it probably won't be done anytime soon. Optimistically 15-20 years, but most likely longer than that.

Quote from: mvak36 on February 10, 2022, 11:39:49 AM
Not related to the Shelby Bypass, but still on US74. Didn't they recently do some project at the interchange with I-26 to make it a full interchange? I think when I passed by there in 2017, you couldn't get onto US 74 East from I-26 West.

My guess is they will probably make it interstate-grade in piecemeal fashion when they have funding available but it probably won't be done anytime soon. Optimistically 15-20 years, but most likely longer than that.

Yeah, they finished that project.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Columbus,+NC+28722/@35.2482958,-82.2108968,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x885761ae0221a62d:0x1126dd1d593cbe93!8m2!3d35.2531698!4d-82.1970584

Quote from: mvak36 on February 10, 2022, 11:39:49 AM
Not related to the Shelby Bypass, but still on US74. Didn't they recently do some project at the interchange with I-26 to make it a full interchange? I think when I passed by there in 2017, you couldn't get onto US 74 East from I-26 West.

My guess is they will probably make it interstate-grade in piecemeal fashion when they have funding available but it probably won't be done anytime soon. Optimistically 15-20 years, but most likely longer than that.

Yes, they started the ramp project in late 2017 and finished in 2019 (I-4729A). On I-26 westbound, U.S. 74 is Exit 66 (https://goo.gl/maps/13QihEhT52PN2jmu7), but still Exit 67 (https://goo.gl/maps/pZCM7gMfVaKeY4LE9) eastbound.

The new ramp to U.S. 74 east removed a travel lane from U.S. 74 eastbound, although I guess it is somehow still considered a ramp from I-26 at that point per the plans (https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/dsplan/2017%20Highway%20Letting/09-19-17/Plans%20and%20Proposals/POLK%20I4729A%20C204039/Individual%20Sheets/100%20I-4729A%20Roadway%20Plans/100_087_I4729A_RDY_PSH07.pdf) and straight-line diagram (https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/StraightLine/raw/sld/PDF/1002602.pdf)) I have wondered if this will affect any future designation since four lanes were squeezed into three instead of widening the bridge. There is also some weird geometry to get the ramps to merge (https://goo.gl/maps/F9TS5Sriuhii2AKR8) that I'm not entirely sure meets interstate standards.

That ramp looks okay to me. But if it is not interstate standard, I am sure the ramp can be modified. They have plenty of room to fix that in the future.

Quote from: Strider on February 10, 2022, 01:56:50 PM
That ramp looks okay to me. But if it is not interstate standard, I am sure the ramp can be modified. They have plenty of room to fix that in the future.

It's har to see, but there's a dip where the ramp goes down after crossing the bridge and then sharply back up. It causes truck trailers to bounce loudly if they hit it fast enough. I'm sure it's technically fine, but it doesn't scream "modern interstate ramp."

Can anyone else think of another example where a lane was taken away to make room for an on-ramp? The ramp from Aviation Parkway to I-540 in Morrisville is similar, but it was built that way from the start.

Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on February 11, 2022, 07:50:29 AM

Quote from: Strider on February 10, 2022, 01:56:50 PM
That ramp looks okay to me. But if it is not interstate standard, I am sure the ramp can be modified. They have plenty of room to fix that in the future.

It's har to see, but there's a dip where the ramp goes down after crossing the bridge and then sharply back up. It causes truck trailers to bounce loudly if they hit it fast enough. I'm sure it's technically fine, but it doesn't scream "modern interstate ramp."

Can anyone else think of another example where a lane was taken away to make room for an on-ramp? The ramp from Aviation Parkway to I-540 in Morrisville is similar, but it was built that way from the start.

When they built the 485 turbine interchange at 85 in NE Charlotte a few years ago, they essentially narrowed 85 through the interchange complex from eight to six lanes to make room for two lanes merging in southbound and four lanes merging in northbound.  I think the end result is a 13-lane roadway (7 northbound, 6 southbound) between 485 and Bruton Smith/Concord Mills.

The latest NCDOT tentative letting list covering August 2022 to July 2023 shows that the next two contracts related to the US 74 Shelby Bypass plan to be let on July 18, 2023:

Project R-2707D: US 74 SHELBY BYPASS FROM EAST OF NC 150 TO EXISTING US 74 WEST OF SR 2238 (LONG BRANCH ROAD), 4.1 Miles, COST ESTIMATE: $ 72,900,000.00
Project R-2707E: US 74 SHELBY BYPASS FROM US 74 WEST OF SR 2238 TO WEST OF SR 1001 (STONEY POINT ROAD), 2.6 Miles, COST ESTIMATE: $ 34,300,000.00

The entire project is currently set to be completed in 2027. Maps of sections D and E are available at the Project website:
https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-74-bypass/Pages/project-maps.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-74-bypass/Pages/project-maps.aspx)

Hopefully once the Shelby Bypass is completed, the exits on US 74 from Businsess 74/Stoney Point Rd. eastward will get numbers, although getting them sooner would be preferable IMHO.

Any rumors on when it will be open to NC 18.  I have a few upcoming opportunities to drive the work zone but after seeing little progress the last 3 trips, I am not sure if the effort is worth it.


On a good note, I think I saw the Lattimore,  us 74 biz interchange west of Shelby make an appearance on the 13 month list.

Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on August 04, 2022, 07:27:02 PM
Any rumors on when it will be open to NC 18.  I have a few upcoming opportunities to drive the work zone but after seeing little progress the last 3 trips, I am not sure if the effort is worth it.


On a good note, I think I saw the Lattimore,  us 74 biz interchange west of Shelby make an appearance on the 13 month list.

If there are no more delays, all three projects should be let in July 2023. The first section of the bypass was let in May 2013.

The construction progress report shows construction of section C at 59% and scheduled for June 2024 completion. Hopefully the pace picks up as it's already been five years of construction for less than five miles of new highway.

A public meeting will be held 8/25 for the proposed upgrades at Bus. 74/Lattimore Rd./Academy St. west of Shelby (project R-4045). This will replace the intersections with an interchange and replace the structurally deficient bridges over Sandy Run (BR-0012). Besides completing the Shelby Bypass, this will be the last project to fully upgrade US 74 to a freeway between I-26 and I-85.

Public input page (https://publicinput.com/US74-Mooresboro)
Alternative 1 (https://publicinput.com/Customer/File/Full/696d7e60-19a9-4917-968b-3932a1d7b078)
Alternative 2 (https://publicinput.com/Customer/File/Full/2a156a0b-ba1a-49ac-ad15-5daf16c453fb)

Both alternatives will have roundabouts at the ramp terminals. How common are roundabout intersections in the state of North Carolina (they have built them everywhere here in Wisconsin)?

^ They're included in a lot of new interchange projects in the state.

I will be working the Forest City store on Tuesday, plus I need to hit Cleveland lumber supply on the way, so I will check out progress.  I am hearing that the new NC 18 bridge is open, as well as NC 180 relocat d at 150, there was an article several weeks back about the new intersection being a round a bout. I have also read that Metcalf Road has closed for bridge construction.

I am at a different work location today whose computer has Bing.  The imagry for Shelby there is more updated than Google Maps.

Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on August 28, 2022, 05:26:42 PM
I am at a different work location today whose computer has Bing.  The imagry for Shelby there is more updated than Google Maps.

That's pretty recent aerial imagery since it also shows clearing for the recently started US 221 Rutherfordton bypass. Google Street View also has imagery from this month showing clearing at US 64 (https://goo.gl/maps/DS3jJA59mQT99emx6) and US 221A (https://goo.gl/maps/DS3jJA59mQT99emx6).

As for Rutherfordton  bypass, I drove on Old Charlotte Rd a week ago, there was pile driving for the northern abutment.

NC loves to make bypasses of bypasses.

Google maps shows a closing of NC18 over the bypass alignment through 1 December, could be the tie in work.

Quote from: Avalanchez71 on September 30, 2022, 01:21:59 AM
NC loves to make bypasses of bypasses.

Many of the original bypasses were not limited access and were built in the 50s/60s - some of them originally as Super 2's.  The original Goldsboro (US 70) and Shelby (US 74) bypasses are great examples.

Quote from: CanesFan27 on November 10, 2022, 05:56:43 PM

Quote from: Avalanchez71 on September 30, 2022, 01:21:59 AM
NC loves to make bypasses of bypasses.

Many of the original bypasses were not limited access and were built in the 50s/60s - some of them originally as Super 2's.  The original Goldsboro (US 70) and Shelby (US 74) bypasses are great examples.

and Monroe, Asheboro, Selma, Greenville, Kinston (eventually...)

Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on November 10, 2022, 07:00:44 PM

Quote from: CanesFan27 on November 10, 2022, 05:56:43 PM

Quote from: Avalanchez71 on September 30, 2022, 01:21:59 AM
NC loves to make bypasses of bypasses.

Many of the original bypasses were not limited access and were built in the 50s/60s - some of them originally as Super 2's.  The original Goldsboro (US 70) and Shelby (US 74) bypasses are great examples.

and Monroe, Asheboro, Selma, Greenville, Kinston (eventually...)

Elizabeth City, Tarboro, Reidville, Windsor, Williamston, Zebulon, Wilson, Clinton, Rutherfordton

Was searching something unrelated and found a very recent Google satellite map imagery update for Shelby Bypass and Rutherfordton  Bypass.  I'd say less than 60 days old.

Run in terror, it actually shows the NC 150 interchange paved

Google Earth (the application) shows the date of satellite images.

This shows that the most recent imagery is dated 11/8/2022.

They would start paving on the side with a dead-end.... I'm surprised to see any paving at all. The completion date has been delayed (again) by another six months to December 2024. Progress is showing as 65% complete, nearly six years later.

Paving was not originally part of this contract and was to be let as a separate project (R-2707G), but I'm assuming that is now being completed as a supplemental agreement. The Airport Rd. overpass was not part of the original plans either. That could be affecting the progress report and pushing out the completion date. Maybe we'll be pleasantly surprised and this section will open "sooner" than expected, but that would probably be too much to expect for this decade-old project.

The remaining sections of the bypass are still scheduled to be let this summer, and the separate Lattimore Rd. interchange design-build project is being advertised.

Cowboy, sent you a PM earlier today, had a question

On a random but US-74 related note, a Love's Travel Stop is coming to the US-74 and US-221 interchange. For anyone that drives this stretch, you know that there aren't many places to stop. If you were to drive from Wilmington to Asheville via US-74 and I-26, it would be more than 300 miles before you got to an NCDOT rest area... or 100+ miles from Charlotte.

Would have expected a little more progress after nearly seven years. It's been so long that there are trees growing on the graded slopes. Guess it will be 2024 after all. Next month marks a decade since the first section of the bypass was awarded. Even the Panama Canal didn't take this long.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52826246303_f8e6a5887e_c.jpg) (https://goo.gl/maps/F6oVHrxZF3Mqbh45A)

Had to detour through the work zone this morning to cover an emergency at our Forest City store.  The median piers for airport road are formed and may have even been poured.  Also, it appears that most if not all of the eastbound mainline has had final grading and compaction.

Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on April 17, 2023, 08:37:33 PM
Would have expected a little more progress after nearly seven years. It's been so long that there are trees growing on the graded slopes. Guess it will be 2024 after all. Next month marks a decade since the first section of the bypass was awarded. Even the Panama Canal didn't take this long.

FWIW, France tried for 18 years to build the Panama Canal. The U.S. took over their work in 1904, but it took another 10 years and 4 months before it was open, in August 1914.

Project plans have been posted for the final sections of the U.S. 74 Shelby Bypass. The contract will be let 7/18/2023 and construction can begin 8/28/2023. Completion date is 4/30/2029 with substantial completion by 11/1/2028.

A few items I've noticed:

Speed limit of 65 MPH... figured it would have been 70.
Bus 74 will get an exit number (211), but still no exit numbers for the three interchanges at Kings Mountain. Seems like a missed opportunity to incorporate design and construction with this project.
Eastbound control city will be Gastonia and not Charlotte.

Project proposal and plans. (https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/dsplan/2023%20Highway%20Letting/07-18-23/Plans%20and%20Proposals/CLEVELAND_34497.3.12_R-2707D_R-2707E_C204851/)

^ As far as the speed limit, I imagine NCDOT may at some point in the future increase it to 70 mph, but at the same time I would not be surprised if they leave it 65 mph since they are notoriously inconsistent with speed setting.

Looking back at the project plans, the design speed for many of the curves is only 70 MPH, so it the posted speed limit may end up staying at 65.

Paving is taking place westbound on the Y-line at NC 18. I guess it's possible they'll have all of this section paved by the end of the summer. Not a great picture looking east (it was getting dark and I couldn't slow down too much due to traffic).

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52936091681_8a354b4091_b.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52936091681_18321ac6fd_o.jpg)

Still grading and drainage work at the N. Lafayette St. overpass (looking east).

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52936487230_f48c10752c_b.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52936487230_a32d241dd3_o.jpg)

Just getting it open to NC18 from the west will have a big impact on Shelby traffic

So is the SR Designation of SR 9000 according to OSM for the Shelby Bypass actually correct?

Quote from: 74/171FAN on July 19, 2023, 01:36:45 PM
So is the SR Designation of SR 9000 according to OSM for the Shelby Bypass actually correct?

NCDOT frequently assigns SR 900x designations to freeway projects that are either under construction or if open, those they don't want to give a temp NC number to.

I would have liked it if there were at least Future US 74 Bypass signs along the completed portions of the Shelby Bypass. Instead, the overhead signs say To NC 226 at Exit 194, with no route signs or reassurance shields along the roadway after on-ramps. Is this normal for new North Carolina roadways?

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on July 19, 2023, 03:07:52 PM
I would have liked it if there were at least Future US 74 Bypass signs along the completed portions of the Shelby Bypass. Instead, the overhead signs say To NC 226 at Exit 194, with no route signs or reassurance shields along the roadway after on-ramps. Is this normal for new North Carolina roadways?

As a Pseudo local, this would cause more driver confusion than help.  If they can get it open to NC 18 or 150, then I may reconsider.  Right now the biggest use for what is open is to get trucks from the Walmart distribution center an egress to the west.

 

Quote from: Mapmikey on July 19, 2023, 02:13:06 PM

Quote from: 74/171FAN on July 19, 2023, 01:36:45 PM
So is the SR Designation of SR 9000 according to OSM for the Shelby Bypass actually correct?

NCDOT frequently assigns SR 900x designations to freeway projects that are either under construction or if open, those they don't want to give a temp NC number to.

https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/gisdot/DOTDELetters/2020/07_July/Div12/R-2707F.pdf (https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/gisdot/DOTDELetters/2020/07_July/Div12/R-2707F.pdf)

Contracts have been awarded for the last sections of the Shelby Bypass and the new interchange at Mooresboro. Construction can begin on the rest of the bypass at the end of August and is supposed to be completed by the end of October 2028. Once both projects are finished, U.S. 74 will be a continuous freeway from I-26 to I-85.

R-2707D/E award letter (https://connect.ncdot.gov/letting/Central%20Letting/07-18-2023%20Central%20Letting/Cleveland%20C204851.pdf)
R-4045 award letter (https://connect.ncdot.gov/letting/Central%20Letting/07-18-2023%20Central%20Letting/Cleveland%20C204860.pdf)

Google Street View has updated imagery from July at the future N.C. 18 interchange where paving is ongoing. It doesn't look like the Airport Rd. overpass has started construction yet.

Looking east toward the future Airport Rd. overpass and N.C. 150/N.C. 180 interchange and westbound paving.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53075939220_d2d3cfa908_c.jpg) (https://goo.gl/maps/VYfyb9jniqncvfZv5)

Looking west at eastbound paving prep.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53075526821_c33fc96b3c_c.jpg) (https://goo.gl/maps/mtcxwBUd1b81DR5C7)

Drove by today.  Looks like all the paving east of the NC 18 bridge is done.

Looking east from Metcalf Rd.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247040606_ab55e74251_c.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247040606_083c14e6d0_o.jpg)

Looking east from N. Lafayette St.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247040636_108665b540_c.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247040636_4f79228957_o.jpg)

Looking west from N. Lafayette St.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247040516_9b82d69f14_c.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247040516_8dd0904648_o.jpg)

Looking east from McBrayer-Springs Rd.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247398819_c3b17d1804_c.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247398819_7b8da93277_o.jpg)

Looking east from N.C. 18/Fallston Rd.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247040471_680d976c75_c.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247040471_219c23d2ae_o.jpg)

Looking west from the future Airport Rd. overpass.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247398809_320dd2be91_c.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247398809_486e8777bf_o.jpg)

Future Airport Rd. overpass. Bonus points if you find the orange cat.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247573960_526bda4c2d_c.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247573960_ce0bb81484_o.jpg)

Drove down NC 180 today, looks like beam placement for Airport Rd is 65-100% complete.

Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on October 09, 2023, 08:58:21 PMFuture Airport Rd. overpass. Bonus points if you find the orange cat.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247573960_526bda4c2d_c.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247573960_ce0bb81484_o.jpg)

Sitting in the crane?

Quote from: Gnutella on October 27, 2023, 10:42:42 PM

Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on October 09, 2023, 08:58:21 PMBonus points if you find the orange cat.

Sitting in the crane?

Nope, and since no one else has taken a guess....

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53311059661_6caf0feed6_o.png)

Again, not good at posting links but there is a 6 week old flyover video on You tube by Carolina drones and construction inspections

Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on January 14, 2024, 09:39:28 AM
Again, not good at posting links but there is a 6 week old flyover video on You tube by Carolina drones and construction inspections

Nice find. I think they're aiming to have this section open sometime this summer.

I look forward to the entirety of the Shelby Bypass being completed in 2029: https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-74-bypass/Pages/default.aspx.

Do they shut down asphalt plants for the winter around here?

Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on January 14, 2024, 04:30:06 PM
Do they shut down asphalt plants for the winter around here?

I think I understand your question. NCDOT will not lay down asphalt if it gets colder than 50F; so generally they do not make asphalt during the winter months and work on other things.

Quote from: WashuOtaku on January 15, 2024, 09:37:25 AM

Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on January 14, 2024, 04:30:06 PM
Do they shut down asphalt plants for the winter around here?

I think I understand your question. NCDOT will not lay down asphalt if it gets colder than 50F; so generally they do not make asphalt during the winter months and work on other things.

Both NCDOT and SCDOT are guilty of this laziness, with SCDOT not laying down any asphalt between the months of October and April.  I find this practice to be extremely inefficient.  TDOT, which for the most part has far superior pavement conditions than either NCDOT and especially SCDOT, lets their contractors lay down asphalt at their own discretion.  Sometimes they will even lay it down in December or January if the conditions are right, and the quality is the same.

But perhaps the issue is really the paving contractors and not the DOT policies?  The DOT's really ought to encourage the contractors to work through the colder months at their own discretion in order to get the jobs done quickly and efficiently.

There is some flexibility depending on the weather and what course is being placed. Some base course was placed last week on a section of the I-26 widening project between Long Shoals Rd. and Airport Rd. near Asheville. The high temperature on the 11th was 57° at the airport. Highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s the day before and after.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53465782802_eb1001677c_o.png) (https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/Materials/MaterialsResources/2023%20QMS%20Asphalt%20Manual.pdf)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53467009739_c3ae98eddc_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53466695866_15862694f3_o.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53467113085_fa4f63c5c3_o.jpg)

Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on January 14, 2024, 09:39:28 AM
Again, not good at posting links but there is a 6 week old flyover video on You tube by Carolina drones and construction inspections

When it comes to Youtube videos, all you need to do is get the URL for the video, and put it in a post.  The forum will automatically turn it a video for you when you submit your post. ;)

Had opportunity to drive through the NC18,180,150 part of the project today.  Bidwell machine set up on Airport Rd bridge, milling at the new 180/150 roundabout, looks like a final pave is imminent.  Security fencing up on new 180 bridge over railroad and both ends of new 180 are complete to within 20 feet of the old road.  Bases for traffic signals have been poured at NC18.  Had an unpleasant surprise coming over the NC18 bridge north bound....4" of fresh concrete just spilled all over the lane with nowhere to drive around with a worker on the shoulder making a frantic phone call.

Kinda surprised that NC18 is getting metal signal poles, but 226 did not.

perhaps its based on regional weather requirements for metal signal poles?

Drove through the work zone again today, actually seemed to show a sense of urgency.  Bidwell machine is about 2/3 across the Airport Road bridge, at the 180/150 intersection they were doing a partial pour of the islands for the 150 ramps and for the new 150/180 roundabout.  In all 3 cases they poured the left and right third of the 2 concentric circles so they can next final pave those areas, reroute traffic, the pour the area currently being used by through traffic.  On new 180, the asphalt at both ends have been extended about 20 feet.  Minor shoulder excavation is in progress on 150 south, looks to be to place concrete curbing.  At the 18 interchange area, grading for the final concrete curbing for the on/off ramps on the south half was underway.  It also appeared that an additional layer of asphalt was being place on the mainline heading east.  I hear local rumors of a July opening eastward to NC 150.

A lot of paving has occurred along the bypass. Final grading and erosion control is taking place in some areas. There are no guardrail or pavement markings yet. I can't tell if that's the final course of pavement. It looks like the Airport Rd. overpass is close to completion from a distance.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53672743918_372fddc441_c.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53672743918_4dcef0d286_o.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53672984375_f20da65685_c.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53672984375_d76eca1679_o.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53672532926_a08d1255db_c.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53672532926_bb3fd1c4e8_o.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53672884354_2f7d90978d_c.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53672884354_823305beb4_o.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53672532936_d7e2800d3e_c.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53672532936_c5d98c28e6_o.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53671652762_16e3a93982_c.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53671652762_ac672396b8_o.jpg)

I did not make it to the eastern end of the bypass, but clearing and utility work is visible in Google Street View from February.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53672984410_f74654f4ed_c.jpg) (https://maps.app.goo.gl/n6148LLPUC8jxyVC9)

There were no signs of any construction activity at the future Lattimore Rd. interchange other than survey markings. I'm assuming the project is still in the final design phase and right-of-way acquisition is ongoing as the Dollar General is still open.

Hopefully someone else will be in charge of signing once the interchange is built.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53672743913_c7d84c04cb_c.jpg) (https://maps.app.goo.gl/mTPLzKLHqCoUbGGJA)