US 74 in Shelby NC

[sprjus4]

NCDOT press release.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2025/2025-06-16-shelby-bypass-segment-opens.aspx

4 more years just to finish the last 4 miles...? That's already under construction? Yeesh 

[ARMOURERERIC]

Waze shows taking Bus. 74 to 180 to 150 and the bypass (westbound) only takes 2-3 minutes longer than going straight through, and that's at 10:30 in the evening. Google and Waze will likely start rerouting drivers to the bypass during the day.

Yes, but probably 6-8 less traffic signals.  The residents on 74bus are not going to be happy campers.

[WashuOtaku]

NCDOT press release.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2025/2025-06-16-shelby-bypass-segment-opens.aspx

4 more years just to finish the last 4 miles...? That's already under construction? Yeesh 

So the next question, when it nears completion, will NCDOT actually submit to AASHTO US 74 Bypass, or just submit another interstate route between I-26 and I-85?

I actually hope its the later, because then they can move US 74 back along the former, now alternate, route too.

[Strider]

NCDOT press release.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2025/2025-06-16-shelby-bypass-segment-opens.aspx

4 more years just to finish the last 4 miles...? That's already under construction? Yeesh 

So the next question, when it nears completion, will NCDOT actually submit to AASHTO US 74 Bypass, or just submit another interstate route between I-26 and I-85?

I actually hope its the later, because then they can move US 74 back along the former, now alternate, route too.

When Shelby Bypass is done, it will be called "US-74 Bypass" while the mainline will remain US-74. But I am sure they will submit a Interstate number proposal to AASHTO soon, knowing NCDOT.

[sprjus4]

So the next question, when it nears completion, will NCDOT actually submit to AASHTO US 74 Bypass, or just submit another interstate route between I-26 and I-85?

I actually hope its the later, because then they can move US 74 back along the former, now alternate, route too.

US-74 both east and west of the bypass is still an arterial road - I believe separate projects are planned to upgrade those segments, but those aren't actively ongoing as far as I'm aware.

As far as the freeway segment extending west to I-26, I believe most of it is not up to modern interstate standards, lacking shoulders. Additionally, I believe there are a number of bridges that need to be replaced due to age.

[ARMOURERERIC]

So the next question, when it nears completion, will NCDOT actually submit to AASHTO US 74 Bypass, or just submit another interstate route between I-26 and I-85?

I actually hope its the later, because then they can move US 74 back along the former, now alternate, route too.

US-74 both east and west of the bypass is still an arterial road - I believe separate projects are planned to upgrade those segments, but those aren't actively ongoing as far as I'm aware.

As far as the freeway segment extending west to I-26, I believe most of it is not up to modern interstate standards, lacking shoulders. Additionally, I believe there are a number of bridges that need to be replaced due to age.

The area west of the bypass has its work underway.  The NC 120 overcrossing bridge was either up for bids today or will be soon.  The bridge over Broad River near Forest City is floating around in the bid schedule.  West of the Alt 74, Forest City/Spindale exit should be Interstate standard.

[Strider]

So the next question, when it nears completion, will NCDOT actually submit to AASHTO US 74 Bypass, or just submit another interstate route between I-26 and I-85?

I actually hope its the later, because then they can move US 74 back along the former, now alternate, route too.

US-74 both east and west of the bypass is still an arterial road - I believe separate projects are planned to upgrade those segments, but those aren't actively ongoing as far as I'm aware.

As far as the freeway segment extending west to I-26, I believe most of it is not up to modern interstate standards, lacking shoulders. Additionally, I believe there are a number of bridges that need to be replaced due to age.

The segment east of the bypass (Segment E) will start right after the connection between NC-150 and US-74 (Segment D) is completed as a part of US-74 Bypass project overall.

The freeway section that goes west towards I-26 does not have shoulders, however the bridges along the road do have shoulders as they're fairly new.

[Strider]

This guy drove on US-74 a few days ago heading towards I-26. You can see lack of shoulders in the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxn5nit-pfw

[sprjus4]

The area west of the bypass has its work underway.  The NC 120 overcrossing bridge was either up for bids today or will be soon.

Did not know that project started - good to see.

The bridge over Broad River near Forest City is floating around in the bid schedule.

Are you referring to this bridge?
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ykky3y4wUdRAt7MGA

West of the Alt 74, Forest City/Spindale exit should be Interstate standard.

The mainline right shoulders need to be widened to 10 ft paved, they are only approximately 3-4 ft paved today. They should be graded, though, and able to be redone in a routine resurfacing project.

NCDOT has completed similar projects along former US-264 (now I-587), US-64, and US-70 in recent years for interstate conversion.

The segment east of the bypass (Segment E) will start right after the connection between NC-150 and US-74 (Segment D) is completed as a part of US-74 Bypass project overall.

Assuming it doesn't get pushed back due to continuous funding issues statewide.

The freeway section that goes west towards I-26 does not have shoulders, however the bridges along the road do have shoulders as they're fairly new.

The freeway segment east of Forest City is the most problematic area. It looks 1960s era, thankfully only two sets of overpasses that I could see - only one with full shoulders, although may need replacement in the future.

I'm curious about the bridge clearances, as they are required to be 16 ft. They may need to be raised. I'm not sure the clearances on that segment.

West of Forest City should be up to modern standards with the exception of the shoulders.

[cowboy_wilhelm]

The remaining bypass and Mooresboro interchange projects went under contract in July 2023 and are under construction. U.S. 74 will be a complete freeway between I-26 and I-85 once these projects finish in a few years. It appears that section D (the new bypass alignment) is being prioritized over the freeway upgrade to the east since there has been minimal construction activity within the project limits of section E, even after two years.

Mooresboro interchange clearing in Google Street View, May 2025

The new bypass doesn't even meet interstate standards. One loop is signed at 20 MPH. Just look at the number of driveways near the ramp terminals. This is the most egregious example.




And another example.

Build to lower standards first, then ask for design exceptions later.

The BR-0099 project for the N.C. 120 overpass is supposed to be let in February 2026.

The B-5876 project for the bridges over the Second Broad River was supposed to have started a few years ago, but it has been delayed until December 2026.

No bridges on the older section between Forest City and Mooresboro are signed for low clearance, but they do appear to be less than 16 feet. If I used the correct field in the National Bridge Inventory viewer, Old Caroleen Rd. is 15 feet, Ellenboro Henrietta Rd. is 14 feet 11 inches, and Race Path Church Rd. is 15 feet 2 inches.

Upgrading U.S. 74 to interstate standards has come up in the STIP prioritization for a decade, but never scored high enough to receive funding. There has been some push at the state level in the budget and federal level from two U.S. representatives, but nothing has come from it yet, and probably won't with the state of everything. The latest Prioritization 7.0 data from NCDOT shows the upgrade costing $237 million, despite there being no structure upgrades identified in the feasibility study. The feasibility study does show extensive grading along the entire 30-mile corridor to accommodate the widened outside shoulders and clear zones for ditches, embankments, etc.

[cowboy_wilhelm]

Google's jumping the gun by a few years (shocking, I know).

[Strider]

Google's jumping the gun by a few years (shocking, I know).

That is correct. That bypass will be designed US-74 Bypass upon completion. So, Google isn't wrong.

[cowboy_wilhelm]

I didn't say they are wrong, I said they are early. It is not signed yet since it is an incomplete bypass. It will be once completed in 2028 or later.

[The Ghostbuster]

Once the Shelby Bypass is completed, there will still need to be work on both ends of the bypass to bring the entire US 74 corridor up to freeway standards. I don't think the US 74 corridor between Interstates 26 and 85 needs an Interstate designation, but knowing North Carolina, one will undoubtedly be proposed.

[sprjus4]

Once the Shelby Bypass is completed, there will still need to be work on both ends of the bypass to bring the entire US 74 corridor up to freeway standards.

This was addressed immediately before your comment.

[ARMOURERERIC]

So, I drove this around 6:30 PM Saturday eve.  Entered from NC 18 SB, turning right to go West.  First thing I noted was the general mess in grading and landscaping in the NW quadrant of the interchange, will watch to see if this improves.  Speed limit was 65, was trying to recall if it was 70 out towards Washburn Switch.  About a mile in, I, and numerous other cars has to move to the left lane because of 3 large dead animal piles in rapid succession, sadly, one looked like a bear.  Any of the piles were large in enough to do undercarriage damage to my vehichle. Exiting at NC 226, I noted that the signals featured left turn arrow filters.  There was a pained right turn branch off immediately before the signal.  Turned back eastbound on a FYA, if this ever becomes a through interstate, I think auxiliary signage showing Morganton  at NC 18, and Lincolnton at NC 150 would be useful.  Polkville Rd, Fallston Rd, and Cherryville Rd. on major roads many nothing to out of towners. At Fairview Rd, as shown in past posts, the bridge overcrossing is complete,  traffic was temporarily using the litte hook in the SE corner while grading for the east bridge approach continues.  At Elizabeth Ave, the Bidwell machine was set up for the deck pour.  I did drive past the work on 74 east, but could not really discern progress.

[Strider]

So, I drove this around 6:30 PM Saturday eve.  Entered from NC 18 SB, turning right to go West.  First thing I noted was the general mess in grading and landscaping in the NW quadrant of the interchange, will watch to see if this improves.  Speed limit was 65, was trying to recall if it was 70 out towards Washburn Switch.  About a mile in, I, and numerous other cars has to move to the left lane because of 3 large dead animal piles in rapid succession, sadly, one looked like a bear.  Any of the piles were large in enough to do undercarriage damage to my vehichle. Exiting at NC 226, I noted that the signals featured left turn arrow filters.  There was a pained right turn branch off immediately before the signal.  Turned back eastbound on a FYA, if this ever becomes a through interstate, I think auxiliary signage showing Morganton  at NC 18, and Lincolnton at NC 150 would be useful.  Polkville Rd, Fallston Rd, and Cherryville Rd. on major roads many nothing to out of towners. At Fairview Rd, as shown in past posts, the bridge overcrossing is complete,  traffic was temporarily using the litte hook in the SE corner while grading for the east bridge approach continues.  At Elizabeth Ave, the Bidwell machine was set up for the deck pour.  I did drive past the work on 74 east, but could not really discern progress.

Nice job with observing while driving on the Bypass. I will assume that the names of the roads you mentioned are signed because the US-74 Bypass (Future interstate) is within the city limits. Since the road is technically incomplete, maybe they will add more signages for Morganton and Lincolnton (ground mounted signages) in the future when they wrap up construction.

[cowboy_wilhelm]

Just Churrville and Fallston in the final signing plans. Signed at 65 MPH the entire length. Note that the grade and curve at Long Branch Rd. has a design speed of 65 MPH.

https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/dsplan/2023%20Highway%20Letting/07-18-23/Plans%20and%20Proposals/CLEVELAND_34497.3.12_R-2707D_R-2707E_C204851/R-2707D/Standard%20PDF%20Files/250%20Signing%20Plans.pdf

https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/dsplan/2023%20Highway%20Letting/07-18-23/Plans%20and%20Proposals/CLEVELAND_34497.3.12_R-2707D_R-2707E_C204851/R-2707D/Standard%20PDF%20Files/250%20Signing%20Plans2.pdf