Interstate 42 (E)

[jcil4ever]

Here's a 4k look at the westbound direction, which opened around 2pm. The eastbound lanes were still closed. I'll post more complete 4k and 360º videos tomorrow.

And, here's the 360º view of westbound only. Processing may take a few minutes before it's live.

Also, noticed many of the signs through town had been updated, but not all:

[The Ghostbuster]

Looks like there is space on the sign for an eventual Interstate 42 shield. That's a good sign (no pun intended).

[jcil4ever]

While perusing the media for news about the opening of the Havelock Bypass, I came across this article from October indicating NCDOT is lobbying the FHWA to have the upgraded section of US 70 in Johnston County signed as I-42 (they also said they hoped to get the 70 MPH signs up by November...):
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article312431989.html

Was excited to see nice uncovered 70mph signs through Wilson's Mills tonight!

Full drive from 70 Business to 40:

Looks like there is space on the sign for an eventual Interstate 42 shield. That's a good sign (no pun intended).

I noticed that too, but would think 42 shields would go to the left of the 70 shields. I noticed they even left room for an additional shield eastbound at the end of the bypass.

[bob7374]

While perusing the media for news about the opening of the Havelock Bypass, I came across this article from October indicating NCDOT is lobbying the FHWA to have the upgraded section of US 70 in Johnston County signed as I-42 (they also said they hoped to get the 70 MPH signs up by November...):
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article312431989.html

Was excited to see nice uncovered 70mph signs through Wilson's Mills tonight!

Looks like there is space on the sign for an eventual Interstate 42 shield. That's a good sign (no pun intended).

I noticed that too, but would think 42 shields would go to the left of the 70 shields. I noticed they even left room for an additional shield eastbound at the end of the bypass.

That matches up with the original sign plans that had the I-42 shield on the right:

[Chris]

NCDOT posted a large number of photos of the ribbon-cutting ceremony on their Flickr account.

Here's a selection:


HWY 2025- 12-19 Havelock bypass ribbon-004- by NCDOTcommunications, on Flickr


HWY 2025- 12-19 Havelock bypass ribbon-041- by NCDOTcommunications, on Flickr


HWY 2025- 12-19 Havelock bypass ribbon-016- by NCDOTcommunications, on Flickr


HWY 2025- 12-19 Havelock bypass ribbon-252- by NCDOTcommunications, on Flickr

[jcil4ever]

Here's a more thorough 360º look at the bypass in both directions from today, followed by a drive through some of the interchanges yesterday:

Here's a traditional 4k look.

There's also a 360º look at the remaining construction between the Havelock Bypass and the Neuse River Bridge:

There are timestamps in each description to help you jump around.

[brian440i]

Thanks for Posting about the 360 Video.

The Project got off to such a slow start with Phase One in 2020... hopefully this time next year we will see 4 bridges under construction... but the prep work and new service roads are moving along.

[LM117]

While perusing the media for news about the opening of the Havelock Bypass, I came across this article from October indicating NCDOT is lobbying the FHWA to have the upgraded section of US 70 in Johnston County signed as I-42 (they also said they hoped to get the 70 MPH signs up by November...):
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article312431989.html

Was excited to see nice uncovered 70mph signs through Wilson's Mills tonight!

Looks like there is space on the sign for an eventual Interstate 42 shield. That's a good sign (no pun intended).

I noticed that too, but would think 42 shields would go to the left of the 70 shields. I noticed they even left room for an additional shield eastbound at the end of the bypass.

That matches up with the original sign plans that had the I-42 shield on the right:

If Clayton and Goldsboro are any indication, then US-70 will eventually be put back through Havelock anyway.

[roadman65]

While perusing the media for news about the opening of the Havelock Bypass, I came across this article from October indicating NCDOT is lobbying the FHWA to have the upgraded section of US 70 in Johnston County signed as I-42 (they also said they hoped to get the 70 MPH signs up by November...):
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article312431989.html

Was excited to see nice uncovered 70mph signs through Wilson's Mills tonight!

Looks like there is space on the sign for an eventual Interstate 42 shield. That's a good sign (no pun intended).

I noticed that too, but would think 42 shields would go to the left of the 70 shields. I noticed they even left room for an additional shield eastbound at the end of the bypass.

That matches up with the original sign plans that had the I-42 shield on the right:

If Clayton and Goldsboro are any indication, then US-70 will eventually be put back through Havelock anyway.

Will US 70 eventually be a route that constantly hops on and off the freeway at many places. Considering that it appears the existing US 70 rural four lane arterials will be upgraded to freeway instead of a new alignment, that may be the case.

[PColumbus73]

While perusing the media for news about the opening of the Havelock Bypass, I came across this article from October indicating NCDOT is lobbying the FHWA to have the upgraded section of US 70 in Johnston County signed as I-42 (they also said they hoped to get the 70 MPH signs up by November...):
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article312431989.html

Was excited to see nice uncovered 70mph signs through Wilson's Mills tonight!

Looks like there is space on the sign for an eventual Interstate 42 shield. That's a good sign (no pun intended).

I noticed that too, but would think 42 shields would go to the left of the 70 shields. I noticed they even left room for an additional shield eastbound at the end of the bypass.

That matches up with the original sign plans that had the I-42 shield on the right:

If Clayton and Goldsboro are any indication, then US-70 will eventually be put back through Havelock anyway.

Will US 70 eventually be a route that constantly hops on and off the freeway at many places. Considering that it appears the existing US 70 rural four lane arterials will be upgraded to freeway instead of a new alignment, that may be the case.

It makes the case to truncate US 70 east of I-95

[jcil4ever]

It makes the case to truncate US 70 east of I-95

But then what would get people to the metropolis of Atlantic??

[Mapmikey]

A case could be made to move US 70 to use NC 16 and NC 24 across the state...

[roadman65]

Someone posted photos of the new Havelock Bypass especially signs at Lake Road.

[74/171FAN]

Someone posted photos of the new Havelock Bypass especially signs at Lake Road.

I have no idea who you are referring to, but roadwaywiz has posted videos.

[PColumbus73]

Someone posted photos of the new Havelock Bypass especially signs at Lake Road.

I have no idea who you are referring to, but roadwaywiz has posted videos.

That looks like quite the superelevation in the second still.

[ElishaGOtis]

Someone posted photos of the new Havelock Bypass especially signs at Lake Road.

I have no idea who you are referring to, but roadwaywiz has posted videos.

That looks like quite the superelevation in the second still.

Probably is quite an accurate depiction given that the highway has to to maintain quite sharp curves at a 75mph+ design speed, if I had to guess. Lower curve radius = higher superelevation for the same design speed.

[cowboy_wilhelm]

The plans show a superelevation of 6%.

https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/dsplan/2019%20Highway%20Letting/07-16-19/Plans%20and%20Proposals/Craven_R1015_34360.3.GV4_C204177/Individual%20Sheets/100%20Roadway%20Plans/100_205_r-1015_rdy_psh6.pdf

[ElishaGOtis]

The plans show a superelevation of 6%.

https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/dsplan/2019%20Highway%20Letting/07-16-19/Plans%20and%20Proposals/Craven_R1015_34360.3.GV4_C204177/Individual%20Sheets/100%20Roadway%20Plans/100_205_r-1015_rdy_psh6.pdf

DESIGN SPEED 65 WTFRICK??

Thanks for sending that lol  I was dead-wrong with the 75 guess (future limit 70 + 5mph buffer as I've seen on many NC interstate projects). I'm guessing it'll likely stay the same once I-42 becomes a thing... interesting...

[architect77]

While perusing the media for news about the opening of the Havelock Bypass, I came across this article from October indicating NCDOT is lobbying the FHWA to have the upgraded section of US 70 in Johnston County signed as I-42 (they also said they hoped to get the 70 MPH signs up by November...):
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article312431989.html

Was excited to see nice uncovered 70mph signs through Wilson's Mills tonight!

Full drive from 70 Business to 40:

Looks like there is space on the sign for an eventual Interstate 42 shield. That's a good sign (no pun intended).

I noticed that too, but would think 42 shields would go to the left of the 70 shields. I noticed they even left room for an additional shield eastbound at the end of the bypass.

It's sad to see the visible cost cutting where gore signs are only on a single post. NCDOT used to anchor every shoulder sign with multiple posts back in the glory days.

Cool to see the snow though in the videos posted Feb. 12th. It doesn't snow that often at the beach in NC.

[sprjus4]

It's sad to see the visible cost cutting where gore signs are only on a single post. NCDOT used to anchor every shoulder sign with multiple posts back in the glory days.

What?

[sprjus4]

The plans show a superelevation of 6%.

https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/dsplan/2019%20Highway%20Letting/07-16-19/Plans%20and%20Proposals/Craven_R1015_34360.3.GV4_C204177/Individual%20Sheets/100%20Roadway%20Plans/100_205_r-1015_rdy_psh6.pdf

DESIGN SPEED 65 WTFRICK??

Thanks for sending that lol  I was dead-wrong with the 75 guess (future limit 70 + 5mph buffer as I've seen on many NC interstate projects). I'm guessing it'll likely stay the same once I-42 becomes a thing... interesting...

If I recall correctly, the project was delayed mid-construction in order to modify the design of the bypass ends, to accommodate a 70-75 mph design speed. Originally, the bypass was not apart of I-42 and did not reflect the interstate continuing.

So it's possible they increased the superelevation later on to accommodate the higher design speed.

[ARMOURERERIC]

While perusing the media for news about the opening of the Havelock Bypass, I came across this article from October indicating NCDOT is lobbying the FHWA to have the upgraded section of US 70 in Johnston County signed as I-42 (they also said they hoped to get the 70 MPH signs up by November...):
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article312431989.html

Was excited to see nice uncovered 70mph signs through Wilson's Mills tonight!

Full drive from 70 Business to 40:

Looks like there is space on the sign for an eventual Interstate 42 shield. That's a good sign (no pun intended).

I noticed that too, but would think 42 shields would go to the left of the 70 shields. I noticed they even left room for an additional shield eastbound at the end of the bypass.

It's sad to see the visible cost cutting where gore signs are only on a single post. NCDOT used to anchor every shoulder sign with multiple posts back in the glory days.

Cool to see the snow though in the videos posted Feb. 12th. It doesn't snow that often at the beach in NC.

It's sad to see the visible cost cutting where gore signs are only on a single post. NCDOT used to anchor every shoulder sign with multiple posts back in the glory days.

What?

NCDot will be going back and adding additional supports later when the exit number changes with additional digits and thus adds significant additional weight to the gore sings

[ElishaGOtis]

The plans show a superelevation of 6%.

https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/dsplan/2019%20Highway%20Letting/07-16-19/Plans%20and%20Proposals/Craven_R1015_34360.3.GV4_C204177/Individual%20Sheets/100%20Roadway%20Plans/100_205_r-1015_rdy_psh6.pdf

DESIGN SPEED 65 WTFRICK??

Thanks for sending that lol  I was dead-wrong with the 75 guess (future limit 70 + 5mph buffer as I've seen on many NC interstate projects). I'm guessing it'll likely stay the same once I-42 becomes a thing... interesting...

If I recall correctly, the project was delayed mid-construction in order to modify the design of the bypass ends, to accommodate a 70-75 mph design speed. Originally, the bypass was not apart of I-42 and did not reflect the interstate continuing.

So it's possible they increased the superelevation later on to accommodate the higher design speed.

Interesting information!

Uh oh... here comes a wall of text... 

SOMEONE PLEASE CORRECT ME IF THE BELOW INFORMATION IS INCORRECT.

For 3080' radius with 6% super elevation (I will shorten this to "e"), the max tolerable design speed is related to the general maximum super elevation that the typical section uses (I'll shorten this to "emax"). If e doesn't exceed 6% anywhere, you can get away with an 80mph design speed easy (min radius 3050'). However, this is rare. Usually, emax is 8-12% for freeways, which would yield 65mph for 8% and 10% and 60mph for 12%.

For reference (per AASHTO Greenbook):
- emax 8% with 6% e: 2710' for 65mph, 3150' for 70mph
- emax 10% with 6% e: 2980' for 65mph, 3400' for 70mph
- emax 12% with 6% e: 2730' for 60mph, 3110' for 65mph

All this should be the case UNLESS...
- They used spirals and I overlooked such info
- The super elevation transitions are different
- There's another limiting factor at play for 65mph
- NCDOT doesn't automatically restrict speed limits by design speed (as seems to be the case here?)
- NCDOT has their own standards which differ from AASHTO

I'm not sure what the emax is for this project, but I'm assuming it's 10% as is standard for most freeway projects.

[vdeane]

It's sad to see the visible cost cutting where gore signs are only on a single post. NCDOT used to anchor every shoulder sign with multiple posts back in the glory days.

What?

I'm imagining double-posted mile markers now.

[cowboy_wilhelm]

The plans show a superelevation of 6%.

https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/dsplan/2019%20Highway%20Letting/07-16-19/Plans%20and%20Proposals/Craven_R1015_34360.3.GV4_C204177/Individual%20Sheets/100%20Roadway%20Plans/100_205_r-1015_rdy_psh6.pdf

DESIGN SPEED 65 WTFRICK??

Thanks for sending that lol  I was dead-wrong with the 75 guess (future limit 70 + 5mph buffer as I've seen on many NC interstate projects). I'm guessing it'll likely stay the same once I-42 becomes a thing... interesting...

If I recall correctly, the project was delayed mid-construction in order to modify the design of the bypass ends, to accommodate a 70-75 mph design speed. Originally, the bypass was not apart of I-42 and did not reflect the interstate continuing.

So it's possible they increased the superelevation later on to accommodate the higher design speed.

The design speed is 70 mph between the interchanges. I have no idea if the interchange design speeds were modified later or not. Max can be 8% or 10%.

https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/Roadway/RDM/2026%20Feb%20RDM.pdf?#page=69

Someone on here has said this before, but NCDOT's M.O. seems to be designing these freeway segments with their lower intrastate freeway standards instead of interstate standards to lower the cost, then request design exceptions later after applying for a blue shield.