I-85 in North Carolina

[74/171FAN]

This is probably wayyyy off crazy, but could it be cheaper to upgrade us 64 from I85 to Apex than widen the existing facility.

I guess you mean the Asheboro Bypass because it is already at least four lanes from the west end of the Asheboro Bypass to Apex.

[architect77]

Looks like they're closing down the far left lane of I-85 South/I-40 West in Orange County for a month and a half so that they can install a new overhead APL in the other direction for the I-85/I-40 split when the I-40 widening project is complete:
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2026/2026-03-17-orange-lane-closure-85-40.aspx

That explains a few things.  On Tuesday last week, there was a temporary right lane closure on I-85/I-40 [eastbound] between Efland (Exit 160) and Buckhorn (Exit 157) after 9PM.  Then on Wednesday early in the evening, NCDOT was staging cones in the same area in the [westbound] direction.  Hopefully, an advance APL will improve traffic at the split.  Even with two diagrammatic signs spaced about one mile and two miles from the split, there are way too many cars heading for I-40 that get confused.  One last week got turned sideways trying to cut from the I-85 side to the I-40 side (which was terrible for that poor lady, since this section is still under construction).

I used to be so impressed with the 85/40 duplex through this area. It took a long time to build but was done well and looked like you were in a large metro area when you actually weren't.

Now, compared to I-85 North of Charlotte through Salisbury which is near perfection in it's width and execution, the 85/40 duplex section feels not wide enough, not really relaxing to drive along, and the pavement is really in bad condition.

Yeah, because both stretches of interstate are 8 lanes total. Of course, the main difference is one stretch is two interstates in one and is going through part of the Carolina Core. Honestly, that whole stretch should be 12 total lanes, much like the 40/421 section in West Greensboro.

It won't happen for extended lengths because NCDOT believes after 4 continuous lanes, any additional suffer from less efficiency and diminishing returns vs. costs.

But I agree that the 85/40 is not pleasurable driving due to the volume of traffic, the extreme crowning of the pavement, and seemingly less shoulder widths.

This is probably wayyyy off crazy, but could it be cheaper to upgrade us 64 from I85 to Apex than widen the existing facility.

In the 2000s or 2010s I read a report for long range plans to focus on rebuilding the NC49/US64 corridor for the beeline route between Charlotte and Raleigh which I opt to take multiple times per year driving from Atlanta to Raleigh. It is shorter in distance and quicker than I-85's bowing arc to Raleigh.

It's faster even with the much lower speed limits and several towns you go through. The 2 lane sections of NC49 account for maybe 40-50 miles of the 120 mile route. You are able to pass slow cars and they usually are traveling locally not all the way to Asheboro.

The best part is heading East about 10 miles before Asheboro getting to see the phantom Uwharrie Mountains for a few seconds in the middle of the state.They look like a real maountain range but you never see them but for a few seconds at the top of a hill on NC49.

The first East-West railroad from the coast to Western NC avoided these 1,100' elevation peaks in the middle of the state. It went up and around which is why the string of towns and I-85 form an arc through central NC. The chosen route's highest elevation along the rail line is about 720' elevation and gave the city of High Point its name.

Looking East near Asheboro:
1 by Stephen Edwards, on Flickr

[AlmaPinnix]

Looks like they're closing down the far left lane of I-85 South/I-40 West in Orange County for a month and a half so that they can install a new overhead APL in the other direction for the I-85/I-40 split when the I-40 widening project is complete:
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2026/2026-03-17-orange-lane-closure-85-40.aspx

That explains a few things.  On Tuesday last week, there was a temporary right lane closure on I-85/I-40 [eastbound] between Efland (Exit 160) and Buckhorn (Exit 157) after 9PM.  Then on Wednesday early in the evening, NCDOT was staging cones in the same area in the [westbound] direction.  Hopefully, an advance APL will improve traffic at the split.  Even with two diagrammatic signs spaced about one mile and two miles from the split, there are way too many cars heading for I-40 that get confused.  One last week got turned sideways trying to cut from the I-85 side to the I-40 side (which was terrible for that poor lady, since this section is still under construction).

I used to be so impressed with the 85/40 duplex through this area. It took a long time to build but was done well and looked like you were in a large metro area when you actually weren't.

Now, compared to I-85 North of Charlotte through Salisbury which is near perfection in it's width and execution, the 85/40 duplex section feels not wide enough, not really relaxing to drive along, and the pavement is really in bad condition.

Yeah, because both stretches of interstate are 8 lanes total. Of course, the main difference is one stretch is two interstates in one and is going through part of the Carolina Core. Honestly, that whole stretch should be 12 total lanes, much like the 40/421 section in West Greensboro.

It won't happen for extended lengths because NCDOT believes after 4 continuous lanes, any additional suffer from less efficiency and diminishing returns vs. costs.

But I agree that the 85/40 is not pleasurable driving due to the volume of traffic, the extreme crowning of the pavement, and seemingly less shoulder widths.

Do you know what would greatly help alleviate the volume of traffic? When they upgrade US-421 to I-685. Sad part is, everyone whined and complained about how its not needed because it runs parallel to I-40... Well, it definitely sounds needed..

[sprjus4]

Sad part is, everyone whined and complained about how its not needed because it runs parallel to I-40... Well, it definitely sounds needed..

The portion that was criticized was the proposal to run it along US-421 all the way to Wilmington, for 70+ miles parallel to I-40. That is absurd.

Running between Greensboro to I-95 and I-40 around Benson? That is reasonable, and would help. But I-40 between Benson and Wilmington is adequate and does not need a second route. If congestion was ever a concern on that portion, I-40 would be widened to six lanes there.

This topic does bring into question getting between Raleigh and Charlotte, however. Obviously I-40 and I-85 provides that interstate connection, but improvements to alternative routes such as widening NC-49, or even just widening US-64 between Asheboro and I-85 would help and potentially draw some traffic off.

[architect77]

Sad part is, everyone whined and complained about how its not needed because it runs parallel to I-40... Well, it definitely sounds needed..

The portion that was criticized was the proposal to run it along US-421 all the way to Wilmington, for 70+ miles parallel to I-40. That is absurd.

Running between Greensboro to I-95 and I-40 around Benson? That is reasonable, and would help. But I-40 between Benson and Wilmington is adequate and does not need a second route. If congestion was ever a concern on that portion, I-40 would be widened to six lanes there.

This topic does bring into question getting between Raleigh and Charlotte, however. Obviously I-40 and I-85 provides that interstate connection, but improvements to alternative routes such as widening NC-49, or even just widening US-64 between Asheboro and I-85 would help and potentially draw some traffic off.

I drive 49/64 often. NC49 isn't that long in distance and does have a few sections that are briefly 4-laned including bridges over rivers. Some sections of it have been converted to the NC superstreet reduced conflict style of roadway. I've also driven the US64 portion between Asheboro and I-85. I'd rather NC49 be improved just due to its direct shot to Charlotte.

I do realize the significance of NC's portion of US64 which is one of longest highways within a state in the country. I wonder if some small bypass projects around small towns would be helpful for NC49 and US64. They might a good first step whenever the corridor does get improved.

The slow speed limits of multiple small towns and the length that they enforce the 35mph and 45mph zones are somewhat of a pain.

[AlmaPinnix]

Sad part is, everyone whined and complained about how its not needed because it runs parallel to I-40... Well, it definitely sounds needed..

The portion that was criticized was the proposal to run it along US-421 all the way to Wilmington, for 70+ miles parallel to I-40. That is absurd.

It would give an alternate hurricane evacuation route in case of emergencies. Also it would give Toyota the direct port access they want. It would also give the biggest investment in the states history, JetZero, easier access to the Port of Wilmington. How is that absurd?

[wriddle082]

Sad part is, everyone whined and complained about how its not needed because it runs parallel to I-40... Well, it definitely sounds needed..

The portion that was criticized was the proposal to run it along US-421 all the way to Wilmington, for 70+ miles parallel to I-40. That is absurd.

It would give an alternate hurricane evacuation route in case of emergencies. Also it would give Toyota the direct port access they want. It would also give the biggest investment in the states history, JetZero, easier access to the Port of Wilmington. How is that absurd?

Perhaps improvements to existing 421 from 95 to Wilmington are in order, including a good bypass of Dunn?  A good four lane expressway upgrade may be cheaper than full limited access since it might mostly be trucks using it.  But full interstate standard 685 from Greensboro to Dunn, because the Triad deserves better access to 95 without having to go through the Triangle.

[sprjus4]

Sad part is, everyone whined and complained about how its not needed because it runs parallel to I-40... Well, it definitely sounds needed..

The portion that was criticized was the proposal to run it along US-421 all the way to Wilmington, for 70+ miles parallel to I-40. That is absurd.

It would give an alternate hurricane evacuation route in case of emergencies. Also it would give Toyota the direct port access they want. It would also give the biggest investment in the states history, JetZero, easier access to the Port of Wilmington. How is that absurd?

All of these are achieved by constructing I-685 to I-40 around Dunn.

I-40 can easily carry all of that traffic from Dunn to Wilmington.

South of Dunn, there is zero reason to build a 4 lane interstate highway approximately 8-10 miles parallel to an existing 4 lane interstate highway that carries 21,000 AADT for 70+ miles.

[AlmaPinnix]

Sad part is, everyone whined and complained about how its not needed because it runs parallel to I-40... Well, it definitely sounds needed..

The portion that was criticized was the proposal to run it along US-421 all the way to Wilmington, for 70+ miles parallel to I-40. That is absurd.

It would give an alternate hurricane evacuation route in case of emergencies. Also it would give Toyota the direct port access they want. It would also give the biggest investment in the states history, JetZero, easier access to the Port of Wilmington. How is that absurd?

All of these are achieved by constructing I-685 to I-40 around Dunn.

I-40 can easily carry all of that traffic from Dunn to Wilmington.

South of Dunn, there is zero reason to build a 4 lane interstate highway approximately 8-10 miles parallel to an existing 4 lane interstate highway that carries 21,000 AADT for 70+ miles.

They should just connect I-685 to I-40 North of Benson. Instead of making people traverse on that stretch of I-95.

[nerdom]

Sad part is, everyone whined and complained about how its not needed because it runs parallel to I-40... Well, it definitely sounds needed..

The portion that was criticized was the proposal to run it along US-421 all the way to Wilmington, for 70+ miles parallel to I-40. That is absurd.

It would give an alternate hurricane evacuation route in case of emergencies. Also it would give Toyota the direct port access they want. It would also give the biggest investment in the states history, JetZero, easier access to the Port of Wilmington. How is that absurd?

All of these are achieved by constructing I-685 to I-40 around Dunn.

I-40 can easily carry all of that traffic from Dunn to Wilmington.

South of Dunn, there is zero reason to build a 4 lane interstate highway approximately 8-10 miles parallel to an existing 4 lane interstate highway that carries 21,000 AADT for 70+ miles.

They should just connect I-685 to I-40 North of Benson. Instead of making people traverse on that stretch of I-95.

Or east of 40. Literally anything but building ~80 miles of new interstate adjacent to an interstate that probably won't need to be widened for 30+ years. I would save that energy for the eventual "Tobacco Toll Road" to be built between Raleigh and Charlotte. (Name is trademarked)

[PColumbus73]

I've said elsewhere that I-685 would best serve Greensboro - Fayetteville, otherwise I agree having two lightly traveled interstates within 10-20 miles of each other is wasteful.

If I-685 is completed to Fayetteville, concerns about Toyota having port access to Wilmington would be addressed by using I-95 to I-74. Likewise with hurricane concerns, even if I-74 doglegs to Myrtle Beach, that's still two interstates serving the Wilmington area. If I-685 is paired with US 13 widening to an expressway between I-95 and Newton Grove, that should be fine.

Then again... I'm also in the not every road needs to be an interstate camp.

[The Ghostbuster]

If Interstate 685 were to continue to Interstate 40 from Interstate 95, it should probably follow NC 55 to connect to 40 near Newton Grove. It would be crazy to have 685 continue down US 421 all the way to Wilmington.

[ARMOURERERIC]

I should clarify my post from a few weeks ago...if/when the 85/40 multiplex becomes overwhelmed and in need of widening, I was expressing curiosity if it would be a cheaper option to improve US 64 from Lexington (or Mocksville at 40) to Apex as an interstate facility.

[wdcrft63]

If Interstate 685 were to continue to Interstate 40 from Interstate 95, it should probably follow NC 55 to connect to 40 near Newton Grove. It would be crazy to have 685 continue down US 421 all the way to Wilmington.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong. All that is approved for I-685 is it should follow US 421 from Greensboro to Sanford and then extend to I-95 somewhere in the area of Fayetteville. No extension east of I-95 is approved, so discussion of such an extension is simply speculation. I am thinking that NCDOT is not considering extension beyond I-95, but I'd like to know if have any thinking about where I-685 should meet I-95.

[brian440i]

If Interstate 685 were to continue to Interstate 40 from Interstate 95, it should probably follow NC 55 to connect to 40 near Newton Grove. It would be crazy to have 685 continue down US 421 all the way to Wilmington.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong. All that is approved for I-685 is it should follow US 421 from Greensboro to Sanford and then extend to I-95 somewhere in the area of Fayetteville. No extension east of I-95 is approved, so discussion of such an extension is simply speculation. I am thinking that NCDOT is not considering extension beyond I-95, but I'd like to know if have any thinking about where I-685 should meet I-95.

Correct.  NC DOT has no plans for US421 to Wilmington, NC55 or US13 to Newton Grove
What NC DOT has been working on is expanding NC24 from Fayetteville, NC to I-40 South of Warsaw. ((R-2303F))

Currently NC24 from I-95 is 4 Lane Highway to Clinton to the (US701/US421) Bypass Around Clinton.  From Clinton to I-40 has been planned but did not make the 10 Year STIP.
(This is the Fort Bragg/Fayetteville to Jacksonville/Camp Lejeune Direct Path)...  So I-685/295 can connect onto NC24 in a speculative future.

[PColumbus73]

If Interstate 685 were to continue to Interstate 40 from Interstate 95, it should probably follow NC 55 to connect to 40 near Newton Grove. It would be crazy to have 685 continue down US 421 all the way to Wilmington.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong. All that is approved for I-685 is it should follow US 421 from Greensboro to Sanford and then extend to I-95 somewhere in the area of Fayetteville. No extension east of I-95 is approved, so discussion of such an extension is simply speculation. I am thinking that NCDOT is not considering extension beyond I-95, but I'd like to know if have any thinking about where I-685 should meet I-95.

Correct.  NC DOT has no plans for US421 to Wilmington, NC55 or US13 to Newton Grove
What NC DOT has been working on is expanding NC24 from Fayetteville, NC to I-40 South of Warsaw. ((R-2303F))

Currently NC24 from I-95 is 4 Lane Highway to Clinton to the (US701/US421) Bypass Around Clinton.  From Clinton to I-40 has been planned but did not make the 10 Year STIP.
(This is the Fort Bragg/Fayetteville to Jacksonville/Camp Lejeune Direct Path)...  So I-685/295 can connect onto NC24 in a speculative future.

The hard part might be routing I-685 around Fort Bragg. I would expect I-685 to arc around Spring Lake and end at I-295 near US 401 / Ramsey St.