Interstate 73/74

[bob7374]

In the final step to upgrade US 220 to I-73 north of the Haw River, the contractor has now placed I-73 exit number tabs on the overhead and ground-mounted signs. Here's the first overhead on I-73 North after the merge with US 220 in Summerfield, courtesy of Strider:


The rest of the new photos are on the I-73 Segment 2 page: http://www.malmeroads.net/i7374nc/i73seg2.html#photos

[LM117]

NCDOT is holding a public meeting in Boardman on May 21 to discuss converting the Macedonia Church Rd/Old Boardman Rd intersection on US-74 (Future I-74) into an interchange.

https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=15210

Map:

https://www.ncdot.gov/download/projects/publichearings/R-5797_rdy_phm.pdf

[wdcrft63]

NCDOT is holding a public meeting in Boardman on May 21 to discuss converting the Macedonia Church Rd/Old Boardman Rd intersection on US-74 (Future I-74) into an interchange.

https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=15210

Map:

https://www.ncdot.gov/download/projects/publichearings/R-5797_rdy_phm.pdf

This location is just to the east of the Lumber River crossing in one of the last remaining non-freeway sections of US 74 between Lumberton and Whiteville.

[WashuOtaku]

Looks like NCDOT is doing some cleanup by removing the redundency of US 311 between Winston-Salem and Randleman along I-74, which is great.  Now if they can only continue the trend by moving US 220 off I-73 between Ellerbe and Greensboro. They can easily reroute back on its former alignment, currently identified as Business and Alternate routes.

[sparker]

Looks like NCDOT is doing some cleanup by removing the redundency of US 311 between Winston-Salem and Randleman along I-74, which is great.  Now if they can only continue the trend by moving US 220 off I-73 between Ellerbe and Greensboro. They can easily reroute back on its former alignment, currently identified as Business and Alternate routes.

That's a good idea -- unfortunately, AASHTO frowns on such things -- although NC has gotten away with re-establishing US 117 on its former alignment parallel to I-795, so there is some local precedent for this.  But an alternate scenario would be simply to truncate US 220 back in Greensboro and deploy a series of business loops along old US 220 between Greensboro and Rockingham -- or just make it a state route.  In any case, US 220's superfluous along that stretch; after the Rockingham bypass has been completed, it's likely something will be done regarding that designation.

[WashuOtaku]

Looks like NCDOT is doing some cleanup by removing the redundency of US 311 between Winston-Salem and Randleman along I-74, which is great.  Now if they can only continue the trend by moving US 220 off I-73 between Ellerbe and Greensboro. They can easily reroute back on its former alignment, currently identified as Business and Alternate routes.

That's a good idea -- unfortunately, AASHTO frowns on such things -- although NC has gotten away with re-establishing US 117 on its former alignment parallel to I-795, so there is some local precedent for this.  But an alternate scenario would be simply to truncate US 220 back in Greensboro and deploy a series of business loops along old US 220 between Greensboro and Rockingham -- or just make it a state route.  In any case, US 220's superfluous along that stretch; after the Rockingham bypass has been completed, it's likely something will be done regarding that designation.

North Carolina is moving away from Interstate Business routes, so don't expect I-73 Business anytime soon. I could see a state route replacing US 220 south of Greensboro.

[sparker]

Looks like NCDOT is doing some cleanup by removing the redundency of US 311 between Winston-Salem and Randleman along I-74, which is great.  Now if they can only continue the trend by moving US 220 off I-73 between Ellerbe and Greensboro. They can easily reroute back on its former alignment, currently identified as Business and Alternate routes.

That's a good idea -- unfortunately, AASHTO frowns on such things -- although NC has gotten away with re-establishing US 117 on its former alignment parallel to I-795, so there is some local precedent for this.  But an alternate scenario would be simply to truncate US 220 back in Greensboro and deploy a series of business loops along old US 220 between Greensboro and Rockingham -- or just make it a state route.  In any case, US 220's superfluous along that stretch; after the Rockingham bypass has been completed, it's likely something will be done regarding that designation.

North Carolina is moving away from Interstate Business routes, so don't expect I-73 Business anytime soon. I could see a state route replacing US 220 south of Greensboro.

Since NCDOT certainly has displayed a penchant for Interstate shielding of routes, it seems that sentiment is limited to the red, white, and blue variety.  Green & white......not so much!

[jcarte29]

I have a random question, as I have mainly concentrated on the progress of I-74 around W-S the last 3+ years....

How is progress on the 2 mile south extension of 73/74 north of Rockingham, prior to the turn towards present day completed 74 (just not signed)? Anyone have an update for that segment?

[bob7374]

I have a random question, as I have mainly concentrated on the progress of I-74 around W-S the last 3+ years....

How is progress on the 2 mile south extension of 73/74 north of Rockingham, prior to the turn towards present day completed 74 (just not signed)? Anyone have an update for that segment?

There has been no media reports regarding that section of I-73/74. Last news that was posted was that the freeway was open north of the Haywood Cemetery Rd exit. The last NCDOT progress report listing for the end of April had it 94.4% complete but still listed the completion date as April 9. The progress report gave the name and number for a contact at the Division office, James A. Dietrich and a phone number:   (910)944-7554. May end up trying to contact him if there's nothing reported by the end of this month. Or, someone closer could take a road trip to check it out. 

[bob7374]

While there's been no official NCDOT press release or or other media reports, NCDOT has dropped the contract listing for the first phase of the I-73/I-74 Rockingham Bypass project, indicating, at least in their opinion, that work has been completed. Therefore, I've updated my I-73 Segment 11 page to indicate its new status:
http://www.malmeroads.net/i7374nc/i73seg11.html

[Strider]

While there's been no official NCDOT press release or or other media reports, NCDOT has dropped the contract listing for the first phase of the I-73/I-74 Rockingham Bypass project, indicating, at least in their opinion, that work has been completed. Therefore, I've updated my I-73 Segment 11 page to indicate its new status:
http://www.malmeroads.net/i7374nc/i73seg11.html

Contacted the Division office in regarding to I-73/I-74 Rockingham bypass, and he responded to me:

The current section of I-73/74 (Rockingham bypass) is nearing completion but do not have a firm date as of yet, most all work is completed and traffic is in its final pattern for this section. As for the next phase of the bypass, this work is within the NCDOT's 10 year plan but there is no firm date as of yet.


If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me.



Thanks,



James "Jim"  Dietrich

[bob7374]

While there's been no official NCDOT press release or or other media reports, NCDOT has dropped the contract listing for the first phase of the I-73/I-74 Rockingham Bypass project, indicating, at least in their opinion, that work has been completed. Therefore, I've updated my I-73 Segment 11 page to indicate its new status:
http://www.malmeroads.net/i7374nc/i73seg11.html

Contacted the Division office in regarding to I-73/I-74 Rockingham bypass, and he responded to me:

The current section of I-73/74 (Rockingham bypass) is nearing completion but do not have a firm date as of yet, most all work is completed and traffic is in its final pattern for this section. As for the next phase of the bypass, this work is within the NCDOT's 10 year plan but there is no firm date as of yet.

If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me.

Thanks,

James "Jim"  Dietrich

Thanks for reaching out to NCDOT. If traffic is in its final configuration then I would call it complete for all practical purposes. Hopefully, the new STIP will move up the date of the construction for the rest of the Bypass.

[LM117]

NCDOT has awarded a contract to upgrade the Hallsboro Road intersection on US-74/76 east of Whiteville to an interchange.

https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=14934

WHITEVILLE — The N.C. Department of Transportation will upgrade the intersection of Hallsboro Road and U.S. 74/76 east of Whiteville into an interchange that will feature bridges and ramps.

Traffic on Hallsboro Road must now stop and wait before entering the highway. To lessen the risk of crashes, particularly those involving a high rate of speed, the new interchange will let motorists on Hallsboro Road go over the highway on a bridge or use the ramps to enter it without stopping.

The department in February awarded a nearly $9.4 million contract to BMCO Construction Inc. of Lumberton for the project, which is expected to get underway by this summer and be completed by 2020.

This is the latest in NCDOT's ongoing efforts to improve mobility and safety on U.S. 74 by building more interchanges.

This was one of 16 road and bridge contracts recently awarded by the N.C. Department of Transportation. Per state law they went to the lowest qualified bidder for each project. The contracts are worth $65.1 million, more than $852,000 under engineer estimates.

Beginning August 6, Hallsboro Road will be closed so that construction can begin. Completion scheduled for May 2020.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2018/2018-07-31-hallsboro-road-to-close.aspx

[bob7374]

Have posted photos of the confirmed completed northern section of the I-73/I-74 Rockingham Bypass, courtesy of Ben Thurkill. The newest set of End I-73/I-74 signs at the future ramp to US 220 South:


The rest of the photos on my I-73 Segment 11 page: http://www.malmeroads.net/i7374nc/i73seg11.html

[bob7374]

NCDOT press release about upcoming public meeting to discuss the conversion of at-grade intersections of US 74/76 near Lake Waccamaw to an interchange and overpass. The release also includes one of the first official statements that this project is part of a plan to upgrade this section of US 74/76 to interstate standards for Future I-74:
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2018/2018-10-01-lake-waccamaw-interchange-at-US-74.aspx

[mvak36]

NCDOT press release about upcoming public meeting to discuss the conversion of at-grade intersections of US 74/76 near Lake Waccamaw to an interchange and overpass. The release also includes one of the first official statements that this project is part of a plan to upgrade this section of US 74/76 to interstate standards for Future I-74:
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2018/2018-10-01-lake-waccamaw-interchange-at-US-74.aspx

I remember about a month ago seeing this article about US74/76 further east of this location being converted to a superstreet. Since they're talking about this project being a part of I-74, are they planning on building the road south towards Myrtle Beach?

I know the road is legislated to go to Myrtle Beach but, personally, I'd rather see it go to Wilmington.

[bob7374]

NCDOT press release about upcoming public meeting to discuss the conversion of at-grade intersections of US 74/76 near Lake Waccamaw to an interchange and overpass. The release also includes one of the first official statements that this project is part of a plan to upgrade this section of US 74/76 to interstate standards for Future I-74:
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2018/2018-10-01-lake-waccamaw-interchange-at-US-74.aspx

I remember about a month ago seeing this article about US74/76 further east of this location being converted to a superstreet. Since they're talking about this project being a part of I-74, are they planning on building the road south towards Myrtle Beach?

I know the road is legislated to go to Myrtle Beach but, personally, I'd rather see it go to Wilmington.

The Lake Waccamaw project is on US 74/76 to the west of where the proposed I-74 route would leave and head southeast, so NCDOT is still officially planning the route to head towards Myrtle Beach. I agree too that Wilmington would be the better choice. I don't believe this will change until SC decides whether or not to build I-73 and, if so, the  need for the I-74 route is reconsidered.

[LM117]

SC wants to build I-73, but the issue is funding. They've been trying to get federal funding, but no dice. Here's their latest attempt as of last week:

https://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/article218999470.html

[Interstate 69 Fan]

I-73 is majorly needed after Florence struck the area.

[wdcrft63]

NCDOT press release about upcoming public meeting to discuss the conversion of at-grade intersections of US 74/76 near Lake Waccamaw to an interchange and overpass. The release also includes one of the first official statements that this project is part of a plan to upgrade this section of US 74/76 to interstate standards for Future I-74:
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2018/2018-10-01-lake-waccamaw-interchange-at-US-74.aspx

I remember about a month ago seeing this article about US74/76 further east of this location being converted to a superstreet. Since they're talking about this project being a part of I-74, are they planning on building the road south towards Myrtle Beach?

I know the road is legislated to go to Myrtle Beach but, personally, I'd rather see it go to Wilmington.

Me too, and there's plenty of support for that in the Forum. However, there's development along US 74/76 as the road approaches Wilmington. When and if there's a freeway connection, whether you call it I-74 or something else, most of what would be east of the currently-identified turnoff to MB would probably have to be on new location. In particular, the section slated to become a super street would almost certainly be bypassed.

[bob7374]

NCDOT will be holding a public hearing on Dec. 3 regarding the proposed project to replace the US 74 intersections with NC 72 and NC 130 in Robeson County with an interchange as part of the process of upgrading the route to be I-74:
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/public-meetings/Pages/2018-12-03-R-5751.aspx

[The Ghostbuster]

Do they know yet what kind of interchange is going to be built? I would think a simple diamond interchange northwest of the existing US 74/State Highway 72 intersection would suffice.

[bob7374]

Do they know yet what kind of interchange is going to be built? I would think a simple diamond interchange northwest of the existing US 74/State Highway 72 intersection would suffice.

NCDOT just posted the map for the public hearing, the proposed interchange will be east of the 2 intersections with 2 roundabouts at the entrance ramps: https://www.ncdot.gov/news/public-meetings/Documents/R5751_Rdy_phm.pdf

[Roadsguy]

Do they know yet what kind of interchange is going to be built? I would think a simple diamond interchange northwest of the existing US 74/State Highway 72 intersection would suffice.

NCDOT just posted the map for the public hearing, the proposed interchange will be east of the 2 intersections with 2 roundabouts at the entrance ramps: https://www.ncdot.gov/news/public-meetings/Documents/R5751_Rdy_phm.pdf

Looking at the existing RoW, they obviously had originally anticipated building the diamond slightly to the west of the current plan. I wonder why they changed it if they already own almost all of the originally planned RoW and now have to acquire more.

[bob7374]

I've posted recent photos by site contributor Strider of new signage that has gone up on I-40 in Greensboro (finally) acknowledging the existence of I-73 North and I-840 East on the Greensboro Loop, here at the exit westbound:


The rest of the photos can be found on my I-73 Segment 5 page:
http://www.malmeroads.net/i7374nc/i73seg5.html#photos