Interstate 73/74

[Interstate 69 Fan]

So what actually is the bypass designated as? US 220? I-73? I-74?

[sprjus4]

So what actually is the bypass designated as? US 220? I-73? I-74?

I-73 / I-74. US-220 was not moved.

[Chris]

I have done some updating to the I-73 and I-74 Progress Summary pages, the exit lists and the I-73 Segment 12 page, will try to complete it tonight. Meanwhile, NCDOT has posted its latest Week in Review video, part of which is dedicated to the opening of the Rockingham Bypass. Guess what they say the Bypass is designated as:
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2025/2025-01-31-this-week-at-ncdot.aspx

The NCDOT Now video also shows US 220 and they only used some brief stock footage, so it appears that there wasn't an official ribbon cutting.

A search on Google News for 'Rockingham bypass' also doesn't bring up any reports from the actual opening, apart from those based on the NCDOT announcement from last week.

Even their regional Twitter account doesn't mention the opening to traffic: https://x.com/NCDOT_Piedmont

[Strider]

So what actually is the bypass designated as? US 220? I-73? I-74?

I-73 and I-74. There was a confusion about signing and I already addressed that to a local NCDOT representative and got their response. Here is the conversation copied and pasted below:

Comment History
Tracking Number:5UY512RX2S

Unit Name:Rockingham Bypass (Future I-73/74)

Sent By: XXXXXXXXXXXX  Date/Time: 1/29/2025 3:49:42 PM
Comment:Why would you sign the new Rockingham Bypass as US-220? Sign it I-73/I-74 and leave US-220 in the original road which is what the plan has always been. There is no reason for it to be a future I-73/I-74 since it already connected to I-73/I-74.

Sent By: Contact Us AdministratorDate/Time: 1/30/2025 9:45:42 AM
Comment:The Rockingham Bypass is signed as I-73/74 and not US 220. US 220 does remain through Rockingham as it has been. Can you let us know what signing you are referring to?

Thanks

Sent By: XXXXXXXXXX.  Date/Time: 1/30/2025 4:22:23 PM
Comment:It was mentioned in one of your press release news, and then the local newspaper mentioned "US-220/Future I-73/I-74". Unless they're old or temporary, it shouldn't be advertised like that.

Sent By: Contact Us AdministratorDate/Time: 1/31/2025 3:03:09 PM
Comment:Thanks for bringing this to our attention


Now that should end all the confusion. I know Bob73/74 got the same email from a local NCDOT representative too.

[Rothman]

That certainly was an interesting exchange.  Tact does help.

[carbaugh2]

It's not a drive through the area, but here is some drone footage I found yesterday evening.

[WashuOtaku]

OrdinaryScarlett already updated OSM to identify the new segment as US 220 and even renamed the old alignment as Old US 220, even though there is no official documentation to support that.

Does not help that NCDOT seems to be doing one thing, but announced another that is also leading to the confusion. Also unhelpful that there is little media attention to the new segment of the bypass.

Hopefully someone is going to take the time this weekend to do a little driving around Rockingham. I'm sure the signage is I-73/I-74, but let us be sure as I have seen NCDOT change signage at the last minute too.

[bob7374]

OrdinaryScarlett already updated OSM to identify the new segment as US 220 and even renamed the old alignment as Old US 220, even though there is no official documentation to support that.

Does not help that NCDOT seems to be doing one thing, but announced another that is also leading to the confusion. Also unhelpful that there is little media attention to the new segment of the bypass.

Hopefully someone is going to take the time this weekend to do a little driving around Rockingham. I'm sure the signage is I-73/I-74, but let us be sure as I have seen NCDOT change signage at the last minute too.

I was at least able to spot a I-73 mile marker from the second video. Meanwhile yesterday James Carter in a response from NCDOT HQ yesterday afternoon got a doubling down that 'It's US 220/Future I-73/74". Perhaps communications from the regional office will change their tune, or even, perhaps a revision of the press release. Though perhaps that's too much to ask.

[Strider]

Since NCDOT representative replied to my email and said the bypass is I-73/I-74 (the copied attachment is above), that means someone made an error. They said they would address the confusion so we shall see. So, the bypass is officially I-73/I-74.

I'm hoping "Driving around NC" video streamer from YouTube would head down that route one day as he/she usually drives around Rockingham area, or someone local from this website may be willing to check it out.

[Rothman]

OrdinaryScarlett already updated OSM to identify the new segment as US 220 and even renamed the old alignment as Old US 220, even though there is no official documentation to support that.

Does not help that NCDOT seems to be doing one thing, but announced another that is also leading to the confusion. Also unhelpful that there is little media attention to the new segment of the bypass.

Hopefully someone is going to take the time this weekend to do a little driving around Rockingham. I'm sure the signage is I-73/I-74, but let us be sure as I have seen NCDOT change signage at the last minute too.

I was at least able to spot a I-73 mile marker from the second video. Meanwhile yesterday James Carter in a response from NCDOT HQ yesterday afternoon got a doubling down that 'It's US 220/Future I-73/74". Perhaps communications from the regional office will change their tune, or even, perhaps a revision of the press release. Though perhaps that's too much to ask.

But Jimmy Carter passed away...

[english si]

OrdinaryScarlett already updated OSM to identify the new segment as US 220 and even renamed the old alignment as Old US 220, even though there is no official documentation to support that.

The press release is surely official documentation?

[WashuOtaku]

OrdinaryScarlett already updated OSM to identify the new segment as US 220 and even renamed the old alignment as Old US 220, even though there is no official documentation to support that.

The press release is surely official documentation?

Yes.

But I hope NCDOT pushes out a correction later.

[brian440i]

For what its worth.
Google Maps has updated.
Rockingham Bypass as 73/74  and 220 on its Traditional Route.

[Strider]

Yeah I saw the updated Google Maps. Also.. if you zoom it closer... you'll see I-73 signing along Rockingham Bypass with I-74/US-74 towards NC 38 interchange where I-73 is proposed to depart for South Carolina. Google Maps is jumping the gun a little bit lol, but they're not wrong though.

[The Ghostbuster]

Will US 74's Exits 306-319 eventually be renumbered to correspond with Interstate 73's mileage or Interstate 74's mileage? I would imagine that the exits would go by Interstate 73's mileage from 306-319, and Interstate 74's mileage east of there to avoid confusion.

[sprjus4]

Will US 74's Exits 306-319 eventually be renumbered to correspond with Interstate 73's mileage or Interstate 74's mileage? I would imagine that the exits would go by Interstate 73's mileage from 306-319, and Interstate 74's mileage east of there to avoid confusion.

I would imagine that renumbering part of the bypass, but randomly switching midway east of NC-38, would cause more confusion than just leaving it as is.

If it were up to me, I'd leave the numbers and mile markers as they are until I-73 is (ever) constructed south to the border. For the time being, I-73 ends (or it should) I believe at the US-74 split where the new bypass starts.

[Strider]

Will US 74's Exits 306-319 eventually be renumbered to correspond with Interstate 73's mileage or Interstate 74's mileage? I would imagine that the exits would go by Interstate 73's mileage from 306-319, and Interstate 74's mileage east of there to avoid confusion.

I would imagine that renumbering part of the bypass, but randomly switching midway east of NC-38, would cause more confusion than just leaving it as is.

If it were up to me, I'd leave the numbers and mile markers as they are until I-73 is (ever) constructed south to the border. For the time being, I-73 ends (or it should) I believe at the US-74 split where the new bypass starts.

Yeah, you're correct. I-73 ends at the US-74 (Exit 16) split for time being. It will probably for a long time.

[bob7374]

Will US 74's Exits 306-319 eventually be renumbered to correspond with Interstate 73's mileage or Interstate 74's mileage? I would imagine that the exits would go by Interstate 73's mileage from 306-319, and Interstate 74's mileage east of there to avoid confusion.

I would imagine that renumbering part of the bypass, but randomly switching midway east of NC-38, would cause more confusion than just leaving it as is.

If it were up to me, I'd leave the numbers and mile markers as they are until I-73 is (ever) constructed south to the border. For the time being, I-73 ends (or it should) I believe at the US-74 split where the new bypass starts.

Yeah, you're correct. I-73 ends at the US-74 (Exit 16) split for time being. It will probably for a long time.

If anyone drives the Bypass soon, according to the sign plans, there's supposed to be an End South I-73 sign after the US 74 West/Bus. 74 East exit ramp to look for.

[Chris]

https://fb.watch/xydanW4zpz/

NCDOT again refers to the bypass as US 220 on Facebook, though this is a clip from last week's NCDOT Now.

ICYMI: The new 7.2-mile Rockingham Bypass opened to traffic last week in Richmond County.
The four-lane, median-divided freeway will be designated as U.S. 220/Future I-73/74.

Though non-roadgeeks may not care much about it being U.S. 220 or not. It doesn't take long to see a comment saying that it could've been built in less than two years.

[Strider]

Embarrassing for NCDOT. And yeah that bypass should have been built in two years... that I can agree with. The issue was that NCDOT kept postponing and moving money to other projects (this is before Hurricane Helene hit).

[Henry]

Will US 74's Exits 306-319 eventually be renumbered to correspond with Interstate 73's mileage or Interstate 74's mileage? I would imagine that the exits would go by Interstate 73's mileage from 306-319, and Interstate 74's mileage east of there to avoid confusion.

I would imagine that renumbering part of the bypass, but randomly switching midway east of NC-38, would cause more confusion than just leaving it as is.

If it were up to me, I'd leave the numbers and mile markers as they are until I-73 is (ever) constructed south to the border. For the time being, I-73 ends (or it should) I believe at the US-74 split where the new bypass starts.

Yeah, you're correct. I-73 ends at the US-74 (Exit 16) split for time being. It will probably for a long time.

If anyone drives the Bypass soon, according to the sign plans, there's supposed to be an End South I-73 sign after the US 74 West/Bus. 74 East exit ramp to look for.

SC may never build I-73, which would cause a big snafu on the NC side (but I hope they eventually find a way to do it). So at least from a temporary standpoint, it does make sense to end it at US 74, while I-74 continues east to who-knows-where.

[Bobby5280]

I-74 actually has a much better shot of ending at Wilmington. If I-73 has little chance of being built in South Carolina that would seem to make I-74 in SC an even longer shot. Meanwhile simply extending I-74 to Wilmington looks like it would be a pretty simple upgrade project for US-74.

[sprjus4]

I-74 actually has a much better shot of ending at Wilmington. If I-73 has little chance of being built in South Carolina that would seem to make I-74 in SC an even longer shot. Meanwhile simply extending I-74 to Wilmington looks like it would be a pretty simple upgrade project for US-74.

I really don't understand the hook down to US-17 several miles west of Wilmington... it should just go straight into Wilmington.

Here's the thing... say you built out I-73 and I-74 fully in North & South Carolina (I-74 is only in North Carolina, the only part for SC is the Carolina Bays Pkwy which they are already planning to extend)... who is gonna use that part of I-74 south of US-74 anyways? It connects nowhere to nowhere, and the main route for Myrtle Beach traffic is I-73.

[brian440i]

If we are talking fictional...

I-73 requires Horry County (Myrtle Beach) to work with South Carolina DOT and Government so its fictional.
Horry County would have much better Success if it just worked with NC DOT.

Let I-74 go to Wilmington... And NC can eventually upgrade US17 or the unlikely NC211 Route.

I would prefer the Alternative Route get built (Call it I-974) connecting I74 and SC9 in Horry County.
Horry county can spend its current funds adding Interchanges along SC9 and SC9 Bypass (From SC 905 to US701)

NC DOT can complete current US76 and I74 interchange, Add Interchange NC410 and US76 (On Vision Board) and then Build GreenField Freeway from US76 West of Chadbourn to US701 north of Tabor City.

It is already a principal route (though not primary route) for People North of South Carolina to N. Myrtle Beach.  Already crosses the Little Peedee River(AKA Lumber River in NC) on I74...  And The pieces to connect North to I74 and Connect South of US701 to 9 can be done later(AKA after 2050).

Roughly 300 Million for Horry County and 300 Million NC instead of 1Billion SC will not provide.  And 1 Billion for NC211 that NC does not want to Build. 

Adding Reference: https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/FeasibilityStudiesDocuments/R-3440_Feasibility-Study_Draft.pdf

[sprjus4]

If we are talking fictional...

I-73 requires Horry County (Myrtle Beach) to work with South Carolina DOT and Government so its fictional.
Horry County would have much better Success if it just worked with NC DOT.

Let I-74 go to Wilmington... And NC can eventually upgrade US17 or the unlikely NC211 Route.

I would prefer the Alternative Route get built (Call it I-974) connecting I74 and SC9 in Horry County.
Horry county can spend its current funds adding Interchanges along SC9 and SC9 Bypass (From SC 905 to US701)

NC DOT can complete current US76 and I74 interchange, Add Interchange NC410 and US76 (On Vision Board) and then Build GreenField Freeway from US76 West of Chadbourn to US701 north of Tabor City.

It is already a principal route (though not primary route) for People North of South Carolina to N. Myrtle Beach.  Already crosses the Little Peedee River(AKA Lumber River in NC) on I74...  And The pieces to connect North to I74 and Connect South of US701 to 9 can be done later(AKA after 2050).

Roughly 300 Million for Horry County and 300 Million NC instead of 1Billion SC will not provide.  And 1 Billion for NC211 that NC does not want to Build. 

Adding Reference: https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/FeasibilityStudiesDocuments/R-3440_Feasibility-Study_Draft.pdf

A freeway along NC-410 and US-701 connecting to SC-9 would be far more valuable than almost 25 miles of new location route through the swamp along NC-211 connecting nothing to nothing.

Let's get more fictional. Once into South Carolina, construct a parallel freeway to US-701 connecting all the way to the SC-22 bypass.

Roughly 13 miles of new location freeway in South Carolina, and 14 miles in North Carolina.

That uses SC-22 to connect into Myrtle Beach, and US-74 in NC to connect to I-95, and boom - full freeway between Myrtle Beach and I-95 North.

Significantly cheaper than South Carolina trying to build nearly 40 miles of I-73 parallel to US-501.