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Interstate 87 (NC-VA)

Started by LM117, July 14, 2016, 12:29:05 PM

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LM117

I figure this thread is better suited for the Southeast forum since most of the route is in NC. Ok, let me kick this off with a question. Does anybody know if NCDOT has put up any "Future I-87" signs along US-64 and/or US-17? I realize that I-495/Future I-495 hasn't been officially decommissioned from US-64 yet, but I figured I'd ask since NCDOT seemingly jumped the gun and put up Future I-42 signs on US-70 without FHWA approval (unless it was quietly approved), so it wouldn't surprise me if NCDOT got ahead of themselves again. I'm not expecting any Future I-87 signs on US-17 in VA since VDOT never applied to AASHTO for it.
“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette


CanesFan27

Quote from: LM117 on July 14, 2016, 12:29:05 PM
I figure this thread is better suited for the Southeast forum since most of the route is in NC. Ok, let me kick this off with a question. Does anybody know if NCDOT has put up any "Future I-87" signs along US-64 and/or US-17? I realize that I-495/Future I-495 hasn't been officially decommissioned from US-64 yet, but I figured I'd ask since NCDOT seemingly jumped the gun and put up Future I-42 signs on US-70 without FHWA approval (unless it was quietly approved), so it wouldn't surprise me if NCDOT got ahead of themselves again. I'm not expecting any Future I-87 signs on US-17 in VA since VDOT never applied to AASHTO for it.

As discussed on southeast Roads in Facebook - wooden sign posts are up on US 64 east of Rocky mount but without signs.  I work in Rocky Mount and go past the planned future interstate 87 signs will be just east of the 95 interchange.  As of this morning they remain empty as they have for three weeks.

LM117

Quote from: CanesFan27 on July 14, 2016, 09:51:00 PM
Quote from: LM117 on July 14, 2016, 12:29:05 PM
I figure this thread is better suited for the Southeast forum since most of the route is in NC. Ok, let me kick this off with a question. Does anybody know if NCDOT has put up any "Future I-87" signs along US-64 and/or US-17? I realize that I-495/Future I-495 hasn't been officially decommissioned from US-64 yet, but I figured I'd ask since NCDOT seemingly jumped the gun and put up Future I-42 signs on US-70 without FHWA approval (unless it was quietly approved), so it wouldn't surprise me if NCDOT got ahead of themselves again. I'm not expecting any Future I-87 signs on US-17 in VA since VDOT never applied to AASHTO for it.

As discussed on southeast Roads in Facebook - wooden sign posts are up on US 64 east of Rocky mount but without signs.  I work in Rocky Mount and go past the planned future interstate 87 signs will be just east of the 95 interchange.  As of this morning they remain empty as they have for three weeks.

Thanks for the update. I don't have a Facebook account so that's why I was out of the loop.
“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette

Strider

Quote from: CanesFan27 on July 14, 2016, 09:51:00 PM
Quote from: LM117 on July 14, 2016, 12:29:05 PM
I figure this thread is better suited for the Southeast forum since most of the route is in NC. Ok, let me kick this off with a question. Does anybody know if NCDOT has put up any "Future I-87" signs along US-64 and/or US-17? I realize that I-495/Future I-495 hasn't been officially decommissioned from US-64 yet, but I figured I'd ask since NCDOT seemingly jumped the gun and put up Future I-42 signs on US-70 without FHWA approval (unless it was quietly approved), so it wouldn't surprise me if NCDOT got ahead of themselves again. I'm not expecting any Future I-87 signs on US-17 in VA since VDOT never applied to AASHTO for it.

As discussed on southeast Roads in Facebook - wooden sign posts are up on US 64 east of Rocky mount but without signs.  I work in Rocky Mount and go past the planned future interstate 87 signs will be just east of the 95 interchange.  As of this morning they remain empty as they have for three weeks.


Do you have the link to the Southeast Roads on Facebook, or what is the name of the group so I can look it up?

froggie

That's the name of the group.

Strider


Thing 342

#6
While I don't think I-87 will ever come to VA, I thought I'd post this here since it's an improvement to the proposed corridor:
I drove through the construction site for the US-17 / Dominion Blvd freeway upgrade on my way home from work yesterday and took a few photos, heading northbound:


Eaglet Pkwy to Scenic Pkwy: Asphalt for the future NB lanes has recently been laid down, while traffic still uses the original roadbed. Some guardrails have been installed, but overall not much progress. This will likely be the last section to be completed.

Scenic Pkwy to VA-165: Traffic shifts over to the new roadbed just past past Scenic Pkwy while the old set is rehabbed. This section seems close to completion, with the SB lanes sporting what appeared to be a decently driveable surface.


VA-165 Interchange: The future northbound half is complete, with SB traffic using the new bridge while NB traffic is forced to use the (fairly short) exit ramps. The southbound portion looks close to being done, with some missing guard rails and some scaffolding around the bridge.


Veterans' Bridge: NB half completed and open to traffic. SB half stretches about 85% of the way across the river, with a gap in the middle. This portion also seems like it will take awhile to complete. The cameras for the toll gantry have been installed, but are not operational. You also have this cramped BGS with distances put in exit tabs, which is a bit weird. (It also has a twin heading southbound).


Veterans' Bridge to VA-166: Largely an extension of the bridge. SB lanes are completed, won't be open until bridge is finished. VA-190 absent from this BGS for whatever reason.


VA-166 Interchange: Completed, with both bridges open to traffic, yet restricted to only one lane for some reason.


VA-166 to VA-190: Both sets of lanes are complete, yet with a 35 mph speed limit and the southbound set restricted to 1 lane for some reason.

VA-190 interchange: Lots of work going on here. Mainline bridges are complete, but likely not open due to the unfinished state of the ramp approaches.

LM117

Thanks for the pics! Looks like it's coming along pretty good. I agree that it's unlikely I-87 will ever leave NC since VA (except for Hampton Roads) isn't supporting it like NC is. However, VA does have one piece of what could be I-87 already finished should they ever decide to use it to add to the corridor: I-464.

When is the US-17/Dominion Blvd project supposed to be finished by?
“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette

Thing 342

Quote from: LM117 on July 15, 2016, 06:04:58 PM
Thanks for the pics! Looks like it's coming along pretty good. I agree that it's unlikely I-87 will ever leave NC since VA (except for Hampton Roads) isn't supporting it like NC is. However, VA does have one piece of what could be I-87 already finished should they ever decide to use it to add to the corridor: I-464.

When is the US-17/Dominion Blvd project supposed to be finished by?
The portion north of Grassfield Pkwy is running ahead of schedule and will be finished by the end of the year, according to the project site (the official date is April 2017). The portion south of there is a separate project and has no listed completion date, but I'd imagine that it'll be completed by this time next year at the very latest.

bob7374

As I did with I-42, I've created a preliminary I-87 NC exit list with milepost and exit information for current freeway sections of the corridor gathered from Wikipedia entries and traveling the corridor via GSV. The list can be accessed at:
http://gribblenation.net/ncfutints/i87exits.html

LM117

Quote from: bob7374 on July 16, 2016, 12:58:00 PM
As I did with I-42, I've created a preliminary I-87 NC exit list with milepost and exit information for current freeway sections of the corridor gathered from Wikipedia entries and traveling the corridor via GSV. The list can be accessed at:
http://gribblenation.net/ncfutints/i87exits.html

Neat!
“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette

Strider

Some of you have been wondering if I-440 will be decommissioned when I-87 routing is complete... I have been too, but then I realized that I do not think they are going to decommission I-440 because it does not make sense to end I-440 at I-87 2 miles away from I-40 interchange.

Here is the exit numbers for I-440 from I-40 to future I-87:

Exit 16- I-40
Exit 15- Poole Rd.
Exit 14- I-495/US 64/US 264 East (future I-87 North)

As you see, I-87 meets I-440 2 miles from I-40 interchange, I predict that I-440 will stay, which means I-87 will multiplex with I-440 and then both routes will end at I-40.  Similar multiplexes that end at or close to the parent route:

1. I-26/I-240 in Asheville, I-26 meets I-240 4 miles north of I-40 interchange, and runs with it until the western I-40 interchange, and I-240 ends (and begins) there while I-26 continues past the interchange.  (I-240 isn't going to be decommissioned)

2. I-73/I-840 in Greensboro. I-73 meets I-840 at Exit 3 (I-840's exit number) and both routes run down to western I-40 interchange, while I-840 ends there, I-73 continues past of the interchange.

3. I-785/I-840 in Greensboro (future), I-785 meets I-840 at Exit 14 (future exit) around 7 miles from eastern I-40 interchange and both routes run down to I-40/I-85/Bus. 85 interchange. Both routes end there.

4. I-41/I-43/I-894 in Wisconsin. I-894 ends at I-94 interchange in both termini, while I-41 and I-43 continues past the interchange.


So that is why I don't think NCDOT will decommission I-440 (it won't make any sense). They will just pair it with I-87 and have both routes end at I-40 eastern interchange.


bob7374

Quote from: Strider on July 16, 2016, 05:10:59 PM
Some of you have been wondering if I-440 will be decommissioned when I-87 routing is complete... I have been too, but then I realized that I do not think they are going to decommission I-440 because it does not make sense to end I-440 at I-87 2 miles away from I-40 interchange.

Here is the exit numbers for I-440 from I-40 to future I-87:

Exit 16- I-40
Exit 15- Poole Rd.
Exit 14- I-495/US 64/US 264 East (future I-87 North)

As you see, I-87 meets I-440 2 miles from I-40 interchange, I predict that I-440 will stay, which means I-87 will multiplex with I-440 and then both routes will end at I-40.  Similar multiplexes that end at or close to the parent route:

1. I-26/I-240 in Asheville, I-26 meets I-240 4 miles north of I-40 interchange, and runs with it until the western I-40 interchange, and I-240 ends (and begins) there while I-26 continues past the interchange.  (I-240 isn't going to be decommissioned)

2. I-73/I-840 in Greensboro. I-73 meets I-840 at Exit 3 (I-840's exit number) and both routes run down to western I-40 interchange, while I-840 ends there, I-73 continues past of the interchange.

3. I-785/I-840 in Greensboro (future), I-785 meets I-840 at Exit 14 (future exit) around 7 miles from eastern I-40 interchange and both routes run down to I-40/I-85/Bus. 85 interchange. Both routes end there.

4. I-41/I-43/I-894 in Wisconsin. I-894 ends at I-94 interchange in both termini, while I-41 and I-43 continues past the interchange.


So that is why I don't think NCDOT will decommission I-440 (it won't make any sense). They will just pair it with I-87 and have both routes end at I-40 eastern interchange.
They may do so. My major reason for arguing for a I-440 truncation has to do with the East-West direction for that route and that one has to initially head east on I-440 West when leaving I-40, and that a north direction may lessen any confusion that may cause.

LM117

#13
Quote from: bob7374 on July 17, 2016, 12:56:30 AM
Quote from: Strider on July 16, 2016, 05:10:59 PM
Some of you have been wondering if I-440 will be decommissioned when I-87 routing is complete... I have been too, but then I realized that I do not think they are going to decommission I-440 because it does not make sense to end I-440 at I-87 2 miles away from I-40 interchange.

Here is the exit numbers for I-440 from I-40 to future I-87:

Exit 16- I-40
Exit 15- Poole Rd.
Exit 14- I-495/US 64/US 264 East (future I-87 North)

As you see, I-87 meets I-440 2 miles from I-40 interchange, I predict that I-440 will stay, which means I-87 will multiplex with I-440 and then both routes will end at I-40.  Similar multiplexes that end at or close to the parent route:

1. I-26/I-240 in Asheville, I-26 meets I-240 4 miles north of I-40 interchange, and runs with it until the western I-40 interchange, and I-240 ends (and begins) there while I-26 continues past the interchange.  (I-240 isn't going to be decommissioned)

2. I-73/I-840 in Greensboro. I-73 meets I-840 at Exit 3 (I-840's exit number) and both routes run down to western I-40 interchange, while I-840 ends there, I-73 continues past of the interchange.

3. I-785/I-840 in Greensboro (future), I-785 meets I-840 at Exit 14 (future exit) around 7 miles from eastern I-40 interchange and both routes run down to I-40/I-85/Bus. 85 interchange. Both routes end there.

4. I-41/I-43/I-894 in Wisconsin. I-894 ends at I-94 interchange in both termini, while I-41 and I-43 continues past the interchange.


So that is why I don't think NCDOT will decommission I-440 (it won't make any sense). They will just pair it with I-87 and have both routes end at I-40 eastern interchange.
They may do so. My major reason for arguing for a I-440 truncation has to do with the East-West direction for that route and that one has to initially head east on I-440 West when leaving I-40, and that a north direction may lessen any confusion that may cause.

I agree. I don't think NCDOT would've asked AASHTO to have I-87 follow I-440 if they didn't intend on truncating I-440. It was even mentioned in their email response to froggie that he posted in the I-36/I-89 thread.

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=17910.msg2143874#msg2143874

QuoteWe see opportunities to reduce the length of I-440 and possibly diminish some confusion on the 440 loop.  We have not currently made this decision, but are considering the various alternatives.

I think a truncation of I-440 is all but certain.
“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette

WashuOtaku

It would be similar to I-26/I-240 in Asheville and I-73/I-840 in Greensboro, so I doubt they would decommission a small section of I-440.  Also the fact that filthy casuals seem to understand that even digit numbers tend to loop back to the mainline.

LM117

Quote from: WashuOtaku on July 17, 2016, 10:51:02 AM
It would be similar to I-26/I-240 in Asheville and I-73/I-840 in Greensboro, so I doubt they would decommission a small section of I-440.  Also the fact that filthy casuals seem to understand that even digit numbers tend to loop back to the mainline.

It's not so much a numbering issue as it is a directional issue. I-440 is signed West when it goes east between I-40 and the Knightdale Bypass before finally turning west. I-240 and I-840 don't have that problem because those two roads don't have a section that runs the complete opposite of what direction it's signed as. That's why there's no issue with I-240 and I-840.
“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette

WashuOtaku

Quote from: LM117 on July 17, 2016, 11:40:29 AM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on July 17, 2016, 10:51:02 AM
It would be similar to I-26/I-240 in Asheville and I-73/I-840 in Greensboro, so I doubt they would decommission a small section of I-440.  Also the fact that filthy casuals seem to understand that even digit numbers tend to loop back to the mainline.
It's not so much a numbering issue as it is a directional issue. I-440 is signed West when it goes east between I-40 and the Knightdale Bypass before finally turning west. I-240 and I-840 don't have that problem because those two roads don't have a section that runs the complete opposite of what direction it's signed as. That's why there's no issue with I-240 and I-840.

People are not confused now with I-440 West/US 64 East, so I don't see the issue.  We also have interesting concurrences like I-73 North/I-85 South/US 421 North in Greensboro, again doubt its an issue.

Strider

Quote from: bob7374 on July 17, 2016, 12:56:30 AM
Quote from: Strider on July 16, 2016, 05:10:59 PM
Some of you have been wondering if I-440 will be decommissioned when I-87 routing is complete... I have been too, but then I realized that I do not think they are going to decommission I-440 because it does not make sense to end I-440 at I-87 2 miles away from I-40 interchange.

Here is the exit numbers for I-440 from I-40 to future I-87:

Exit 16- I-40
Exit 15- Poole Rd.
Exit 14- I-495/US 64/US 264 East (future I-87 North)

As you see, I-87 meets I-440 2 miles from I-40 interchange, I predict that I-440 will stay, which means I-87 will multiplex with I-440 and then both routes will end at I-40.  Similar multiplexes that end at or close to the parent route:

1. I-26/I-240 in Asheville, I-26 meets I-240 4 miles north of I-40 interchange, and runs with it until the western I-40 interchange, and I-240 ends (and begins) there while I-26 continues past the interchange.  (I-240 isn't going to be decommissioned)

2. I-73/I-840 in Greensboro. I-73 meets I-840 at Exit 3 (I-840's exit number) and both routes run down to western I-40 interchange, while I-840 ends there, I-73 continues past of the interchange.

3. I-785/I-840 in Greensboro (future), I-785 meets I-840 at Exit 14 (future exit) around 7 miles from eastern I-40 interchange and both routes run down to I-40/I-85/Bus. 85 interchange. Both routes end there.

4. I-41/I-43/I-894 in Wisconsin. I-894 ends at I-94 interchange in both termini, while I-41 and I-43 continues past the interchange.


So that is why I don't think NCDOT will decommission I-440 (it won't make any sense). They will just pair it with I-87 and have both routes end at I-40 eastern interchange.
They may do so. My major reason for arguing for a I-440 truncation has to do with the East-West direction for that route and that one has to initially head east on I-440 West when leaving I-40, and that a north direction may lessen any confusion that may cause.

Yeah, i know I-440's routing in this area is odd, but you're right, they may do so. We will see when they makes a decision. :-)

wdcrft63

Quote from: LM117 on July 17, 2016, 11:40:29 AM
Quote from: WashuOtaku on July 17, 2016, 10:51:02 AM
It would be similar to I-26/I-240 in Asheville and I-73/I-840 in Greensboro, so I doubt they would decommission a small section of I-440.  Also the fact that filthy casuals seem to understand that even digit numbers tend to loop back to the mainline.

It's not so much a numbering issue as it is a directional issue. I-440 is signed West when it goes east between I-40 and the Knightdale Bypass before finally turning west. I-240 and I-840 don't have that problem because those two roads don't have a section that runs the complete opposite of what direction it's signed as. That's why there's no issue with I-240 and I-840.
Originally I-440 was posted as Inner 440 in the clockwise direction and Outer 440 in the counter-clockwise direction. Somehow folks in Raleigh just couldn't figure this out and kept going the wrong way, so after years of the public grumbling about it NCDOT gave up and introduced the present East-West signing. This signing may confuse outsiders but it is not confusing to locals, because there is a clear concept locally of East Raleigh and West Raleigh. If you want to go to East Raleigh you take 440 East and if you want to go to West Raleigh you take 440 West. Simple.

I don't know if 440 will be truncated, but I don't think the decision will be based on these directional questions.

I would argue that it not be truncated for the following reason. If it's truncated, people westbound on I-40 will have to take I-87 North to find 440, and that probably requires providing a "TO 440" signing as well as "NORTH 87." If you have to do that, you haven't really accomplished anything with the truncation.

vdeane

IMO overlaps where a route ends during the overlap are pointless.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

CanesFan27

Quote from: vdeane on July 17, 2016, 04:02:10 PM
IMO overlaps where a route ends during the overlap are pointless.

But they've always spoke well of you.

WillWeaverRVA

Quote from: Thing 342 on July 15, 2016, 04:41:34 PM
While I don't think I-87 will ever come to VA, I thought I'd post this here since it's an improvement to the proposed corridor:
I drove through the construction site for the US-17 / Dominion Blvd freeway upgrade on my way home from work yesterday and took a few photos, heading northbound:


Eaglet Pkwy to Scenic Pkwy: Asphalt for the future NB lanes has recently been laid down, while traffic still uses the original roadbed. Some guardrails have been installed, but overall not much progress. This will likely be the last section to be completed.

Scenic Pkwy to VA-165: Traffic shifts over to the new roadbed just past past Scenic Pkwy while the old set is rehabbed. This section seems close to completion, with the SB lanes sporting what appeared to be a decently driveable surface.


VA-165 Interchange: The future northbound half is complete, with SB traffic using the new bridge while NB traffic is forced to use the (fairly short) exit ramps. The southbound portion looks close to being done, with some missing guard rails and some scaffolding around the bridge.


Veterans' Bridge: NB half completed and open to traffic. SB half stretches about 85% of the way across the river, with a gap in the middle. This portion also seems like it will take awhile to complete. The cameras for the toll gantry have been installed, but are not operational. You also have this cramped BGS with distances put in exit tabs, which is a bit weird. (It also has a twin heading southbound).


Veterans' Bridge to VA-166: Largely an extension of the bridge. SB lanes are completed, won't be open until bridge is finished. VA-190 absent from this BGS for whatever reason.


VA-166 Interchange: Completed, with both bridges open to traffic, yet restricted to only one lane for some reason.


VA-166 to VA-190: Both sets of lanes are complete, yet with a 35 mph speed limit and the southbound set restricted to 1 lane for some reason.

VA-190 interchange: Lots of work going on here. Mainline bridges are complete, but likely not open due to the unfinished state of the ramp approaches.

Great photos. Some of those are candidates for Signs with Design Errors, though, sheesh.
Will Weaver
WillWeaverRVA Photography | Twitter

"But how will the oxen know where to drown if we renumber the Oregon Trail?" - NE2

Henry

As I said, if there had been plans to connect this to New York (there isn't), the number would've made a lot more sense. But it looks like NC is stuck with another out-of-place number on a highway that will never meet its original incarnation (see I-74 in Cincinnati).
Go Cubs Go! Go Cubs Go! Hey Chicago, what do you say? The Cubs are gonna win today!

LM117

#23
I know it's not directly road-related, but a recent announcement today involving development near the I-87 corridor could move the upgrade of US-64 up a notch or two in the future.

http://www.wral.com/csx-to-build-massive-cargo-terminal-in-edgecombe-county/15861789/

QuoteROCKY MOUNT, N.C. – After months of discussion and debate, CSX announced Tuesday that it will build its massive Carolina Connector cargo terminal in Edgecombe County.

The hub, which is expected to open in 2020, will be built between Battleboro and College roads south of U.S. Highway 301 in Rocky Mount. Officials anticipate 300 permanent jobs at the site, as well as 250 to 300 construction jobs.

"The Carolina Connector will be a game-changer for our state's economy, supporting North Carolina's agriculture, ports and position as the Southeast's No. 1 state for manufacturing jobs," Gov. Pat McCrory said in announcing the project.

Cargo transfer hubs improve efficiency in distributing goods from manufacturers to retailers and consumers, officials said, and they also reduce truck traffic on state highways. Studies by the state Department of Transportation show warehouses and other facilities usually cluster around such hubs, and officials have projected the Carolina Connector could eventually spawn up to 13,000 related jobs statewide.


DOT plans to provide $110 million in improvements to rail lines and terminal infrastructure, while CSX will invest $160 million in the project. The company also qualifies for up to $4.3 million in rebates of employee withholding taxes under a Job Development Investment Grant if it meets annual hiring and investment targets in the coming years, as well as $7.8 million in state tax credits.

"CSX is proud to bring this transformational project to eastern North Carolina which will provide cheaper, faster and more environmentally-friendly connections for North Carolina's businesses and ports to domestic and international markets," CSX Chairman and Chief Executive Michael Ward said in a statement.

Officials said the company was attracted to the Rocky Mount site because of its proximity to CSX's main north-south rail line, Interstate 95 and the future Interstate 87 corridor from the Triangle to Norfolk, Va., and the planned Interstate 42 corridor from the Triangle to Morehead City.

Still, it wasn't CSX's preferred site.

The company announced plans in January to build the Carolina Connector near Selma. But that plan quickly fizzled when landowners protested the idea of being forced to sell their property, and county and state officials came out against the proposal.

In April, Four Oaks Mayor Linwood Parker pushed for the hub in his town as an economic driver. Again, opposition from local property owners quashed any potential deal.

Carolinas Gateway Partnership, a local economic development organization, controls nearly all of the land needed for the terminal in Rocky Mount.

EDIT: An update to the article gave the exact location of the CSX terminal.

QuoteThe $270 million hub, which is expected to open in 2020, will be built across U.S. Highway 301 from North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount.
“I don’t know whether to wind my ass or scratch my watch!” - Jim Cornette

wdcrft63

Quote from: LM117 on July 19, 2016, 05:27:10 PM
I know it's not directly road-related, but a recent announcement today involving development near the I-87 corridor could move the upgrade of US-64 up a notch or two in the future.

http://www.wral.com/csx-to-build-massive-cargo-terminal-in-edgecombe-county/15861789/

QuoteROCKY MOUNT, N.C. – After months of discussion and debate, CSX announced Tuesday that it will build its massive Carolina Connector cargo terminal in Edgecombe County.

The hub, which is expected to open in 2020, will be built between Battleboro and College roads south of U.S. Highway 301 in Rocky Mount. Officials anticipate 300 permanent jobs at the site, as well as 250 to 300 construction jobs.

Cargo transfer hubs improve efficiency in distributing goods from manufacturers to retailers and consumers, officials said, and they also reduce truck traffic on state highways. Studies by the state Department of Transportation show warehouses and other facilities usually cluster around such hubs, and officials have projected the Carolina Connector could eventually spawn up to 13,000 related jobs statewide.

DOT plans to provide $110 million in improvements to rail lines and terminal infrastructure, while CSX will invest $160 million in the project. The company also qualifies for up to $4.3 million in rebates of employee withholding taxes under a Job Development Investment Grant if it meets annual hiring and investment targets in the coming years, as well as $7.8 million in state tax credits.

Officials said the company was attracted to the Rocky Mount site because of its proximity to CSX's main north-south rail line, Interstate 95 and the future Interstate 87 corridor from the Triangle to Norfolk, Va., and the planned Interstate 42 corridor from the Triangle to Morehead City.
According to WRAL's version of this story, NC beat out VA and SC for this facility.

It's a nice reminder that highways can/should be built for tomorrow's traffic as well as today's.



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