Image of NC Interstate 74 shield (from Shields Up!)  Segment 4

Excerpt from NCDOT 2023-24 State Transportation Map Greensboro Area Inset showing path of Future I-74 Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, July 2023

Where:  Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, Eastern Half; US 52 near NC 65 near Stanleyville to I-74 east of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County

Length: 17.1 Miles***

Needed: Construct New Freeway (Partially completed)

Work Started: December 10, 2014

First section, US 421 to US 158 opened Sept. 5, 2020 

Second section, US 158 to US 311 opened Dec. 23, 2020 

Third section, US 311 to NC 66 opened Nov. 7, 2022

Fourth Section: NC 66 to US 52, opened Nov. 19, 2023

Completion of Rest: Scheduled for November 2026

Opened sections of route temporarily signed as NC 74 shield image from Shield's Up!  until Loop completed in 2026


Jump to Videos (*New 4/21/24*)

Jump to Photos (*New 4/21/24*)

Jump to Sign Plans (Updated 9/4/22)

Segment Information

I-74 is to leave US 52 near NC 65 and be routed on the eastern half of the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway to US 311. The Winston-Salem Northern Beltway is a planned 34 mile arc freeway from US 158 southwest of the city to US 311 in the southeast. The Eastern Half is to run from US 52 to US 311. Though US 52 through Winston-Salem is a freeway, it is substandard and NCDOT from the beginning of I-74 planning apparently felt that routing through traffic away from Winston-Salem was a better option than upgrading US 52 through downtown. (Though in recent years they have completed projects to upgrade the highway and remove problem interchanges, and, they plan for US 52, if completely upgraded, to serve as an extension of I-285*).1

Though long-planned and constantly postponed, due to either litigation, or the lack of funding, the first segment of the Beltway started construction in December 2014. Both the pressing of NCDOT by local officials and the, not coincidental, recalculation of the new transportation funding mechanism announced by NCDOT in 2013, caused the Beltway project not only to jump from last place in the state Loop construction list, but to be placed on the Urban Loop Acceleration Plan list. Thus a project that only a couple years ago was projected not to start until the mid 2020's, has received enough funding, made possible by Grant Anticipation Revenue, or GARVEE, bonds, which allow NCDOT to borrow against future federal funding, to at least build the first couple segments, the first from Business 40/US 421 to US 158 was let in October, and awarded in early November 2014 to Dragados USA Inc of NYC for $153,999,950.2 The starting date of the project was December 10, 2014. The completion date has moved over the length of construction.3 A NCDOT Press Release from April 17, 2019 indicated it could open by the end of that year, it didn't, a map detailing new exit numbers for the US 421/Salem Parkway issued by NCDOT in January 2020 indicated the completion date was Spring 2020, then NCDOT said that it will open by August.4 Lanes were closed on the Salem Parkway/US 421 starting in late April to allow final paving of the ramps between the Beltway and US 421, and periodic closings continued into early September, suggesting opening was near. The segment was finally opened on the morning of September 55 (See photos section). (Drive on the new segment with this video). Jumping the gun a bit, the NCDOT traffic map, by Bing, added the first segment of the Beltway, despite it not being open yet, to its North Carolina map the third week of April:

Bing Map image from NCDOT Real Time Traffic site showing first segment of Winston-Salem 
                                                 Northern Beltway in April 2020

Work started on a second segment from US 158 to US 311 on January 19, 2018. NCDOT stopped posting information on the contract in November 2020, implying it would be open soon. NCDOT announced the roadway would open on December 23, 2020, six months early, since the official completion date was in 2021. The route ended up opening on December 27.6,7 (Check out this video of a drive on the newly completed roadway.) On April 5, 2018, NCDOT announced it had awarded the contract to build segments D, E and F to Flatiron Constructors, Inc. for $120 million, this extended the Beltway from US 311 to NC 66/University Parkway. Design work started on April 30, 2018 and construction in April 2019. This section opened to traffic on November 7, 2022.8 This despite a news report in early 2022 that it was more likely to open closer to the end of the year.9 It will take a little longer to complete this part of the Beltway the final mile to US 52. A Design-Build contract to connect the Beltway at NC 66 to a new interchange with US 52 (Contract C204137) was awarded in October 2018, and as of the end of March 2024 was 92% complete (same as February and down from a listing of 93.1% complete in January earlier, rising costs?), work was originally supposed to be completed more than a year earlier in September 2022. In late March 2022, however, the completion date was moved to July 2, 2023, this didn't change until February 2024 when it was moved to, still a little late, August 29, 2023 (perhaps meant to say 2024? Not corrected so far).4 News reports at the time of the completion to NC 66 indicated the opening of this section was to occur some time in late Summer 2023. In early July a Winston-Salem Journal article stated the planned opening date now was to be around Thanksgiving.10 NCDOT announced in a press release in mid-November that the initial opening of the interchange, the connections between the Beltway and US 52 North and US 52 South and the Beltway would occur on November 18, after lane closures along the intersecting routes starting the day before.11 Only 1 lane in each direction was opened first, with both directions of US 52 using the future I-74 West lanes, with openings of additional lanes and other ramps within the interchange occurring in stages into 2024.12  The Preliminary work on the US 52 interchange (Contract C203840), modifying the exit ramp with NC 65 and building a wider NC 65 bridge to accommodate future ramps between US 52 and the Beltway started in January 2017, which also included preliminary work on the western section interchange with US 421, and was finished in October 2019, (see photos of construction below). Here's the latest NCDOT map of the completed Beltway route, from November 2022:

Image of NCDOT traffic map showing completed section of NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, 
                                              November 2022

The next segment to be constructed is at the other end of the Beltway, from I-40 to the US 421/Salem Parkway (Former Business 40), which was to be started in October 2020, but which was not let until December 2021. Work started on this project on April 4, 2022 and as of a year+ later on March 15, 2024 was 48.4% complete. Work is to be completed by the end of April 2027.13 The last segment of the Eastern beltway, between I-74 (former US 311, still referred to as that in contract documents) and I-40, first delayed in September 2019 from late 2020 until March 2021, was let in October 2022 with work starting on December 1, 2022 and more than 2 years later, as of March 22, 2024 was 38.1% finished, though the completion date was moved back in August 2023, by 2 days, from March 30 to April 1, 2027.14 Though this project is scheduled to be completed a month earlier than the US 421 to I-40 section,it is to be opened at the same time.13 As a result of the delays, the eastern section will now not be completed until at least late 2026. Meanwhile, NCDOT's budget problems has caused them to postpone work on the western section of the Beltway. For a more detailed discussion of these projects, see the Project History section, below. Here's an NCDOT maps of how the Beltway stands as of January 2022, as published in the Winston-Salem Journal:9

NCDOT map of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway as of January, from the Winston-Salem Journal of January 22, 2022

Here's an earlier map of the Beltway Project by NCDOT showing the construction segments as of August 2017 with then dates of both Eastern and Western Beltway construction:

Image of NCDOT Aug. 2017 map of Winston-Salem Beltway construction segments

Segment Photos

LATEST PHOTOS

Images of construction along I-74 at the southern end of the future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, screen grab images from video by TarHeel Travels posted on March 23, 2024:

Image of I-74 West entering Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction area, from 
        video by TarHeel Travels, March 2024Entering the construction zone on I-74 West with traffic transitioning to new lanes to the left in the distance.


Image of I-74 West in new lanes in Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction area, from 
        video by TarHeel Travels, March 2024Transitioning to new lanes on I-74 West prior to future ramp to the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway. Landscaping continuing along the eastbound lanes.


Image of future Beltway lanes seen from I-74 West in interchange construction area, from 
        video by TarHeel Travels, March 2024A crane seen in the future Beltway lanes heading off to northwest from current I-74 West.


Image of future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway lanes in interchange construction area, from 
        video by TarHeel Travels, March 2024Closer view of the future site of the Beltway lanes heading off to the right with some ramp support structures under construction.


Image of ramp structures being built for Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange over current
        I-74, from video by TarHeel Travels, March 2024View from current I-74 West of future site of Beltway ramps with bridge structures being constructed.


Image of ramp structures being built for Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange in I-74 median, from 
        video by TarHeel Travels, March 2024Closer view of the bridge structure being built over current I-74 that will carry eastbound traffic to the Beltway.


Image of current I-74 West approaching future ramp from Northern Beltway East, from 
        video by TarHeel Travels, March 2024Entering the construction zone on I-74 West with traffic transitioning to new lanes to the left.


Photos of construction around the newly opened US 52 interchange with the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway with screen grab images from a video by TJElevatorfan from March 2024:

Image of still unpaved future ramp from US 52 (Future I-285) North to NC 74 (Future I-74) 
       East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, screen grab from TJElevatorfan video, March 2024View from US 52 North of the still unfinished ramp to the NC 74 Beltway headed east. At least the landscaping is mostly complete.


Image of unpaved future ramp from US 52 (Future I-285) North to NC 74 (Future I-74) East 
       /Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, screen grab from TJElevatorfan video, March 2024A closer view of the ramp, some grading still to be completed in the distance.


Image of future ramp from US 52 (Future I-285) North to Future I-274 West/Winston-Salem 
       Northern Beltway, screen grab from TJElevatorfan video, March 2024Road closed (for a while) signs in front of the future ramp to the I-274 Winston-Salem Beltway west segment.


Image from US 52 (Future I-285) North of NC 74 (Future I-74)/Winston-Salem Northern 
       Beltway interchange construction zone, screen grab from TJElevatorfan video, March 2024View over the interchange construction area towards the ramp that will carry traffic from the Beltway west to US 52 South, and eventually, I-274.


Image of US 52 (Future I-285) North approaching current ramp from NC 74 (Future I-74) 
       East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, screen grab from TJElevatorfan video, March 2024 US 52 North approaching the current ramp carrying westbound Beltway traffic, the future lanes are still carrying eastbound traffic on the left.

Turning around....


Image of traffic at the start of NC 74 (Future I-74) East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway
        after the split from US 52 South using future I-74 westbound lanes, the future east lanes are being prepared for paving, screen grab         from TJElevatorfan video, March 2024View from the start of NC 74 East, on the future westbound I-74 lanes, after the Beltway ramp has split from US 52 South. headed east. Notice the future lanes are being prepared for paving.


Image of current NC 74 (Future I-74) East lanes heading towards US 52 North bridge with future lanes 
       being prepared for paving on the right, screen grab from TJElevatorfan video, March 2024View from NC 74 Beltway heading east towards US 52 North bridge with graded future eastbound lanes to the right.


Image of closer view of NC 74 (Future I-74) East heading under US 52 North, 
       screen grab from TJElevatorfan video, March 2024NC 74 East heading under US 52 North, future Beltway east lanes to the right have been paved but no lane striping as of yet.


Image of NC 74 (Future I-74) East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway heading under incomplete
       future ramp from Beltway west to US 52, screen grab from TJElevatorfan video, March 2024The NC 74 East Beltway now heading under the future ramp from the Beltway west to US 52 South.


Image of current NC 74 (Future I-74) East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway lanes approaching
       the Grassy Creek bridge, screen grab from TJElevatorfan video, March 2024The future NC 74 East Beltway lanes approaching the Grassy Creek bridge still has not been paved.


Image of current NC 74 (Future I-74) East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway moving to their
       permanent alignment after the Grassy Creek bridge, screen grab from TJElevatorfan video, March 2024Temporary NC 74 East lanes transferring back to the permanent lanes prior to the NC 66 exit.


Image NC 74 (Future I-74) East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway lanes approaching the NC 66/
       University Avenue exit, screen grab from TJElevatorfan video, March 2024A portable VMS still being used as an advance sign for the NC 66 exit heading east.


EARLIER PHOTOS

Photos taken by David Johnson along I-40 East in the I-74/Beltway construction zone on February 25, 2024:

Image of work proceeding on future exit ramp to I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway East from 
        I-40 East in Forsyth County, by David Johnson, February 2024A concrete barrier separates construction equipment and the paved future ramp to the Beltway/I-74 East from I-40 East.


Image of work proceeding on building the future flyover ramps to I-74/Winston-Salem Northern 
        Beltway from I-40 East in Forsyth County, by David Johnson, February 2024Work continues on constructing the flyover ramps from I-40 to the Beltway/I-74.


Image of work proceeding on future exit ramp to I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway East from 
        I-40 East in Forsyth County, by David Johnson, February 2024Two of the flyover ramps that will cross each other to and from the Beltway/I-74.


Image of flyover ramp supports awaiting further construction along I-40 East as part of 
        I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway construction in Forsyth County, by David Johnson, February 2024These supports along I-40 East still wait to be connected together.


Image of future I-40 bridge and flyover ramps under construction as part of I-74/Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway construction from current I-40 East in Forsyth County, by David Johnson, February 2024A view of the future I-40 East bridge in front and flyover bridges under construction in the distance.


Image of still to be demolished bridge over I-40 East with future I-74/Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway west ramps in the distance in Forsyth County, by David Johnson, February 2024This bridge over I-40 East still awaits demolition. The completed noise wall between the future ramp from I-74 West to the Union Cross Road exit can be seen in the distance.


This NCDOT traffic image from Hanes Mill Road from February 23, 2024 shows a lack of progress over the winter in completing the ramp to the Beltway east from US 52 North, hopefully warm weather will speed up progress in paving at the interchange:

NCDOT traffic camera image of US 52 looking north from Hanes Mill Road towards Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange, February 2024

The following are photos of the newly opened US 52 interchange with the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway. They include photos taken by Mark David Moore on December 15, 2023 and screen captures from a new video of the Beltway by Tar Heel Dashcam made earlier in December, starting at the NC 66 exit:

Image of overhead ramp sign for NC 66/University Parkway exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) West after 
        segment to US 52 opened, from video by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023The exit sign for NC 66. The 'All Traffic Must Exit" tab had been taken down but no new sign for the US 52 exit had been placed yet. Traffic currently uses the future US 52 South exit ramp to get to US 52 North.


Image of newly opened lane of NC 74 (Future I-74) West after on-ramp from NC 66 exit, 
        from video by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023The new NC 74 West lane heading under the University Parkway bridge . The new ramp from NC 66 enters to the right.


Image of newly opened lane of NC 74 (Future I-74) West after the NC 66 bridge heading towards
        US 52, from video by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023The one opened lane after NC 66. The remaining 2 lanes await the completion of the Beltway connection westbound to US 52.


Image of NC 74 (Future I-74) West traffic being diverted to future US 52 South ramp after 
        NC 66 exit, from video by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023A concrete barrier has placed where westbound Beltway traffic is currently diverted along the future ramp to US 52 South (and longer in the future I-274 West).


Image of of current NC 74 (Future I-74) traffic using future exit ramp to US 52 South, from video 
        by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023Along the current NC 74 West ramp, approaching the future split with the ramp to carry traffic to US 52 South and, eventually, to I-274.


Image of NC 74 (Future I-74) West traffic lanes from current US 52 North exit ramp, 
        from video by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023View from the westbound ramp of the future I-74 West lanes now being used for NC 74 East Beltway traffic from US 52 South, heading under the US 52 North bridge.


Image of current NC 74 (Future I-74) West lanes approaching merge with US 52 lanes prior to 
        NC 65 exit, from video by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023The current end of the ramp from the Beltway to US 52 North. The blue services signs are for the NC 65 exit. Meanwhile driving towards the Beltway along US 52 North...


Image of US 52 North approaching the future off-ramp to NC 74 East/Winston-Salem Northern
      Beltway prior to the Ziglar Road bridge, by Mark David Moore, December 2023Approaching the new Ziglar Road bridge on US 52 North, work needs to be completed here, and the concrete barrier along the right lane removed, before the new ramp to NC 74 East can be completed.


Image of US 52 North at the future off-ramp to NC 74 East/Winston-Salem Northern
      Beltway after the Ziglar Road bridge, by Mark David Moore, December 2023A temporary 1 Mile advance sign for the NC 65 exit sits after the ramp to NC 74 East to the right of the frame, which is still be graded.


Image from US 52 North of future ramp construction from NC 74 West to US 52 South and work
        on the future NC 74 East roadway, by Mark David Moore, December 2023Looking across the construction zone to the future ramp bridge that will carry traffic from NC 74 West to US 52 South along with work continuing on the still to be opened NC 74 East roadway.


Image of US 52 North approaching the current ramp from NC 74 West/Winston-Salem Northern
      Beltway with future I-74 West roadway on the left, by Mark David Moore, December 2023Approaching the NC 65 bridge on US 52 North after traffic from NC 74 West, temporarily using the future NC 65 exit ramp, merges from the right. Now turning around and heading east towards the Beltway...


Image of NC 74 (Future I-74) East traffic after splitting off from US 52 South using future I-74 West/ 
        US 52 North lanes, from video by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023While current traffic from the Beltway to US 52 North uses an exit ramp, the NC 74 East lanes uses the future I-74 West lanes. Traffic has already split from US 52 South, which can be seen to the right. This split will be beyond the NC 65 bridge seen in the distance when the eastbound lanes are opened.


Image of NC 74 (Future I-74) East lanes using future westbound lanes after NC  65 bridge, from 
        video by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023Two of the future I-74 West lanes are currently being used for NC 74 East traffic, US 52 can be seen on the right beyond the future eastbound lanes.


Image of unpaved future NC 74 (Future I-74) East lanes after the US 52 North bridge, from 
        video by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023This section of future NC 74 East lanes had not been paved at the time of the video, suggesting it may be a while before the lanes are completed.


Image of NC 74 East/Winston-Salem Northern approaching the US 52 North bridge temporarily using
      the future westbound roadway, by Mark David Moore, December 2023A closer view of the US 52 North bridge, work proceeding on the right to complete the permanent eastbound Beltway lanes.


Image of NC 74 (Future I-74) East using future westbound lanes prior to future ramp bridge for
        US 52 South exit, from video by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023Approaching the future ramp bridge for the US 52 South exit, still under construction.


Image of NC 74 (Future I-74) East lanes using future westbound lanes approaching ramps being 
        contructed from US 52 North, from video by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023The current NC 74 East lanes approaching the future ramp taking traffic from US 52 North.


Image of of NC 74 (Future I-74) East using westbound lanes approaching Grassy Creek bridges near  
        NC 66 exit, by Mark David Moore, December 2023Temporary road curve advisory signs marks the impending shift of NC 74 traffic back to the eastbound lanes after the Creek bridges.


Image of NC 74 (Future I-74) East traffic shifting over to completed eastbound lanes prior to NC 66 
        exit, from video by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023The lanes shifting over to the eastbound lanes prior to the NC 66 exit.


Image of VMS being used as temporary ramp sign for NC 66/University Parkway exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) 
        East after segment from US 52 South opened, from video by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023Another portable VMS being used as an exit sign, in this case for the NC 66/University Parkway exit.


Image of temporary gore sign still in place for NC 66/University Parkway exit on NC 74 (Future I-74)
        East after segment from US 52 South opened, from video by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023There was still only a temporary exit sign for NC 66 on NC 74 East when the video was filmed.


Image of unchanged signage along US 421 North/Salem Parkway for the NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern
        Beltway exit after segment from NC 66 to US 52 South opened in late November, from video by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023The exit signage for NC 74 West had not been changed along US 421/Salem Parkway to reflect the Beltway's completion to US 52 when the video was filmed.


Screen grab images from December 2023 Tar Heel Dashcam video of construction of I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange from I-40 East:

Image of flyover ramp construction for the NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern
        Beltway exit with I-40, from video by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023Contractors have started to place the roadway supports on the future flyover ramps for the Beltway interchange, as seen from I-40 East.


Image of flyover ramp construction for the NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern
        Beltway exit with I-40, from video by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023More flyover ramp progress in the Beltway interchange, as seen beyond the future new I-40 East bridge.


Image of noise wall construction along future ramp from I-74 West/Winston-Salem Northern
        Beltway exit to I-40 East, from video by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023Work is also proceeding on building noise walls along the future ramp to I-74 East to I-40 East as seen near the future ramp merge.


Image of noise wall construction at end of future ramp from I-74 West/Winston-Salem Northern
        Beltway exit to I-40 East, from video by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023Work has been completed in putting up the noise walls from this point after the future I-74 East ramp to near Union Cross Road (see video).


Image of future I-40 interchange with I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway looking south from 
        Glen Hi Road, from video by Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023View of the Beltway exit ramp construction with I-40 looking north from Glenn Hi Road bridge.


Google Maps Street View images from October 2023 of construction of I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway ramps from I-40 East:

Image of paved future ramp to I-74 East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway from I-40 East 
        in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, October 2023Approaching paved future ramp to I-74 East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway.


Image of paved future ramp to I-74 East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway from I-40 East 
        in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, October 2023A closer look at the future ramp to I-74 East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway prior to the 2 Miles advance sign for Union Cross Road.


Image of construction between paved future ramps to I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway from I-40 East 
        in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, October 2023Partially paved shoulder between the 2 paved future ramps to the I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway.


Image of paved future ramp to I-74 West/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway from I-40 East 
        in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, October 2023Now approaching paved future ramp to the I-74 West Beltway.


Image of paved future ramp to I-74 West/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway from I-40 East 
        in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, October 2023Closer view of the future westbound Beltway ramp. A concrete barrier to separate I-40 and ramp traffic is under construction.


View of Beltway construction along I-74 West near from the future interchange to Ridgewood Road from September 2023:

Image of clearing at site of future interchange between current I-74 and the Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway, Google Maps Street View, September 2023Looking from I-74 West lanes at progress constructing the future interchange between the end of the Beltway and I-74.


Image of Winston Salem Northern Beltway construction along current I-74 West, Google Maps 
        Street View, September 2023A new concrete barrier has been placed along the I-74 West lanes for future construction in the median 1/2 mile from the Ridgewood Road exit.


Image of construction at future on-ramp to I-74 West from the Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway, Google Maps Street View, September 2023Work continues on the future ramp from the end of the Beltway to current I-74, Future NC 192 West.


Image of end of future on-ramp to current I-74 West from the Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway, Google Maps Street View, September 2023Variable speed limit signs mark the end of future Beltway on-ramp construction.


Image looking back along I-74 West towards future ramp from the Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway, Google Maps Street View, September 2023Looking back along I-74 West lanes at the future on-ramp at the end of the Beltway.


Aerial View of the US 52 interchange with NC 74/Winston-Salem Beltway prior to opening in November 2023, from Winston-Salem Journal:

Image of interchange between Winston-Salem Northern Beltway and US 52 just prior
        to opening, by Winston-Salem Journal, November 2023

Other photos and drone video are available in this November 16 article by the Winston-Salem Journal.

*Google Street View images from I-74 in the vicinity of the southern interchange construction zone, September 2023:

View of newly opened temporary I-74 East lanes through future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
       interchange construction area from I-74 West, Google Maps Street View, September 2023View from I-74 West of newly opened temporary I-74 lanes through the western end of the Beltway construction zone.


View of traffic transitioning to newly opened temporary I-74 East lanes through future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
       interchange construction area, Google Maps Street View, September 2023View of I-74 East traffic transitioning over to temporary I-74 lanes through the western end of the Beltway construction zone.


View of travelling in temporary I-74 East lanes through future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
       interchange construction, old I-74 lanes being used for equipment storage, Google Maps Street View, September 2023View from temporary I-74 East lanes of equipment being stored along old lanes in construction zone.


View of traffic in temporary I-74 East lanes through future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
       interchange construction, Google Maps Street View, September 2023Equipment used for excavation on old I-74 lanes prior to the end of the temporary eastbound lanes.


View of excavation along I-74 East lanes in Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
       interchange work zone, Google Maps Street View, September 2023Excavation along I-74 East lanes prior to first advance sign for the Union Cross Road exit.


View of excavation along I-74 East lanes in Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
       interchange work zone, Google Maps Street View, September 2023Excavation all around the Union Cross Road 3/4 Mile advance sign.


View of piles of excavated materials along I-74 East lanes in Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
       interchange work zone, Google Maps Street View, September 2023Dirt mounds to be removed further along the I-74 East lanes.


View of recent excavation along I-74 East lanes in Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
       interchange work zone, Google Maps Street View, September 2023Recent excavation getting closer to the Union Cross Road exit.


View of excavation along I-74 East lanes in Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
       interchange work zone, Google Maps Street View, September 2023Approaching the end of the construction zone just prior to the Union Cross Road exit.


View across I-74 lanes toward future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
      lanes, Google Maps Street View, September 2023Looking across the I-74 West lanes at the site of the future Beltway interchange.


*Google Street View images from Kernersville Road in the vicinity of the interchange construction zone, July 2023:

Image looking north from Kernersville Road over future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
       interchange under construction, Google Maps Street View image, July 2023Looking north from Kernersville road over Northern Beltway interchange construction area.


Image looking at grading of temporary roadway taking Kernersville Road through future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
       interchange construction area, Google Maps Street View image, July 2023Looking west along Kernersville road at temporary roadway being built to carry traffic around future interchange construction area. This roadway was opened the weekend of September 16-17.


Image looking at temporary road construction from Kernersville Road in I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
       interchange construction site, Google Maps Street View image, July 2023Construction of the temporary road continues north of the future Northern Beltway interchange site.


Image looking south along Kernersville Road toward future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
       interchange under construction, Google Maps Street View image, July 2023Looking back south along Kernersville Road toward Northern Beltway interchange construction area.


Sign images taken along NC 74 East by Mark David Moore, December 15, 2023:

Image of East NC 74 reassurance marker following NC 66 exit, by Mark David Moore, December 2023 An East NC 74 reassurance marker after the NC 66 exit.


Image of 1/2 Mile advance overhead sign for Baux Mountain Road exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) East/
        Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by Mark David Moore, December 2023The 1/2 Mile advance sign for the Baux Mountain Road exit.


Image of the overhead ramp sign for the Baux Mountain Road exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) East/
        Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by Mark David Moore, December 2023The Baux Mountain Road exit sign, and a brave clean up crew member.


Image of East NC 74 reassurance marker following Baux Mountain Road exit prior to an
        overhead 2 Miles advance sign for the US 311 exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by Mark David Moore,         December 2023 Another East NC 74 reassurance marker prior to the 2 Miles advance for the US 311 exit.


Image of the 1 Mile advance overhead sign for the US 311 exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) East/
        Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, there is a blank space next to the shield for a future West label, by Mark David Moore, December 2023 The 1 Mile advance for the US 311 exit. Signs in this direction include space for "North" when the route is truncated to the Beltway, no exact date has been given (see sign plans).


Image of overhead signage at US 311 exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) East/Winston-Salem Northern
        Beltway, by Mark David Moore, December 2023 The gantry at the US 311 exit ramp also includes a 1 3/4 Miles advance sign for the S 158 exit, notice there are almost two miles between Exits 49 and 50.


Image of 1/2 Mile advance overhead sign for US 158 exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) East/
        Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by Mark David Moore, December 2023 The 1/2 Mile advance overhead for the US 158 exit.


Image of overhead ramp sign for US 158 exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) East/
        Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by Mark David Moore, December 2023 The US 158 exit sign prior to the bridge, now 50 miles from the Virginia border.


Image of ground mounted auxiliary Salem Parkway sign for US 421/Salem Parkway exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) East/
        Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by Mark David Moore, December 2023 An auxiliary sign for the upcoming US 421 exit, the Beltway signs were designed prior to the Salem Parkway naming and therefore are not included on the overheads.


Image of 1/2 Mile advance overhead sign for US 421 exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) East/
        Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by Mark David Moore, December 2023 T overhead 1/2 Mile advance sign for US 421. It is apparent this will be replaced by a much larger arrow-per-lane sign after the Beltway is completed.


Image of overhead ramp sign for US 421 C/D ramp at current end of NC 74 (Future I-74) East/
        Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by Mark David Moore, December 2023 The overhead signage at the start of the C/D  lanes for the US 421 exit.


Image of overhead signs on C/D ramp for US 421 exits at current end of NC 74 (Future I-74) East/
        Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by Mark David Moore, December 2023 The overhead and ground mounted signage at the split of ramps for the US 421 exit. Given the actual direction of the highway, would it have been better to have East and West for the Salem Parkway sign?


EARLIER PHOTOS

Google Street View images from NC 66 Bridge looking toward Beltway/US 52 interchange construction zone, June 2023:

Image from NC 66 bridge looking west toward future I-74 Beltway/US 52 interchange under construction, 
        Google Maps Street View, June 2023Looking west toward US 52 showing progress in paving future Beltway lanes towards US 52, at the time not beyond the creek bridges. Paving has commenced to the right of the future ramp that will take traffic to the western section of the Beltway (I-274) and to US 52/NC 8 South over I-74.


Google Street View images along I-74 West through Beltway interchange construction zone, June 2023:

Image of I-74 West entering Beltway construction zone after Union Cross Road, 
        Google Maps Street View, June 2023Clearing along I-74 median at start of Beltway construction zone.


Image of I-74 West approaching future Beltway on-ramp in construction zone after Union Cross Road, 
        Google Maps Street View, June 2023Clearing continues along I-74 West roadway for future Beltway ramp on right.


Image of I-74 West in Beltway construction zone after Union Cross Road, 
        Google Maps Street View, June 2023Clearing of I-74 median for future I-74 East lanes in Beltway construction zone.


Image of clearing along both sides I-74 West in Beltway construction zone after Union Cross Road, 
        Google Maps Street View, June 2023Clearing along both sides of I-74 West nearing end of future Beltway on-ramp construction area.


Image of median clearing between I-74 lanes in Winston-Salem Northern Beltway construction zone after Union Cross Road, 
        Google Maps Street View, June 2023Further west clearing continues in median an some activity along the shoulder as well.


Image of paving started of temporary I-74 East lanes in Winston-Salem Northern Beltway construction zone after Union Cross Road, 
        Google Maps Street View, June 2023Paving started for temporary East I-74 lanes just west of future Beltway interchange, these lanes were opened in August..


Image of construction along I-74 West in Winston-Salem Northern Beltway construction zone approaching
          the Ridgewood Road exit, Google Maps Street View, June 2023Clearing of I-74 median continues approaching the Ridgewood Road exit.


Image of variable speed limit signs along I-74 West in Beltway construction zone approaching
          Ridgewood Road, Google Maps Street View, June 2023Variable Speed Limit signs along I-74 West approaching the Ridgewood Road exit and the end of the Beltway construction zone.


Google Street View images along US 52 South through the Beltway interchange construction zone, June 2023:



Image of future I-74 East lanes traveling towards Beltway along US 52 South in Rural Hall, 
        Google Maps Street View, June 2023Future I-74 East lanes heading off on left from US 52 South to meet the Beltway.


Image of future I-74 East lanes traveling towards Beltway splitting from US 52 South lanes in Rural Hall, 
        Google Maps Street View, June 2023Paving had started along this section of Future I-74 East lanes prior to barrier splitting of from US 52 South lanes.


Image of future I-74 East lanes traveling towards Beltway along US 52 South in Rural Hall, 
        Google Maps Street View, June 2023View of completed US 52 North bridge over Future I-74 East lanes from US 52 South bridge.


Google Street View images along US 52 North through the Beltway interchange construction zone, June 2023:

Image of new US 52 North roadway passed the demolished Ziglar Road bridge approaching the 
        future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange, Google Maps Street View, June 2023View at the start of the new US 52 North lanes after the demolished Ziglar Road bridge.


Image of new US 52 North roadway approaching the 
        future I-74 East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange ramp, Google Maps Street View, June 2023The former US 52 North lanes will be part of the future ramp to I-74 East.


Image of future ramp to I-74 East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway from US 52 (Future I-285) North, Google Maps Street View, June 2023Closer view from the new US 52 North lanes to the future, still unpaved, ramp to the I-74 East Beltway.


Image of new US 52 North roadway after future I-74 East exit ramp as part of the 
        future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange, Google Maps Street View, June 2023View of the new US 52 North lanes after the future I-74 East Beltway exit ramp.


Image of new US 52 North roadway prior to new bridge over future Beltway roadway as part of the 
        future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange, Google Maps Street View, June 2023*The new US 52 North approaching the first bridge over the future Beltway.


Image of new US 52 North roadway after future I-74 East exit ramp as part of the 
        future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange, Google Maps Street View, June 2023*Looking northeast toward new bridge being built over the future I-74 roadway.


Image of new US 52 North roadway prior to future exit ramp from I-274, part of the 
        future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange, Google Maps Street View, June 2023*Approaching the future ramp from the I-274 section of Beltway merging onto the new US 52 North lanes.


Image of new US 52 North lanes crossing bridge over future Beltway as part of  
        future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project, Google Maps Street View, June 2023*View of the new US 52 North lanes after the future I-274 ramp merge crossing bridge over the future westbound Beltway.


Image looking east at future I-74 lanes beign constructed as part of the 
        future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project, Google Maps Street View, June 2023*Another closeup look at bridge construction along the future I-74 roadway linking the Beltway with US 52 North.


Image of view along new US 52 North lanes approaching second new bridge over Beltway, being
        built as part of the future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project, Google Maps Street View, June 2023*The new US 52 North lanes about to cross the second bridge over the future Beltway.


Image from US 52 North roadway looking east along future path of I-74 to NC 66 bridge, being built
        as part of the future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange, Google Maps Street View, June 2023*Looking east from the new US 52 North lanes along the future pathway of I-74 to the NC 66 bridge showing completion of paving up to the new bridges.


Image of new US 52 North roadway prior to bridge over future I-74 East, built as part of the 
        future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange, Google Maps Street View, June 2023*View of the new US 52 North lanes approaching the bridge over the future I-74 East lanes.


Image from new US 52 North roadway of future I-74 lanes being built as part of the 
        future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange, Google Maps Street View, June 2023*Looking north prior to bridge over future I-74 lanes being graded back to NC 65 bridge.


Image from new US 52 North roadway of future I-74 East lanes being built as part of the 
        future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange, Google Maps Street View, June 2023*Crossing the bridge over the future I-74 lanes.


Image of new US 52 North roadway crossing bridge over future I-74 East lanes as part of the 
        future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction project, Google Maps Street View, June 2023Looking back at the new US 52 North lanes crossing over the future I-74 East ramp to the Beltway.


Image of current US 52 North roadway paralleling future future I-74 Eastlanes as part of the 
        future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange, Google Maps Street View, June 2023View of the US 52 North merging back into its own alignment, paralleling the future I-74 West ramp from the Beltway.


Image of US 52 North roadway paralleling future I-74 West lanes still under construction as part of the 
        future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction project, Google Maps Street View, June 2023 US 52 North lanes on future C/D ramp that will carry I-74 West traffic approaching the NC 65 exit.


Image of US 52 North lanes using future C/D ramp roadway paralleling future I-74 West lanes 
        still under construction as part of the future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction project, Google Maps Street View,         June 2023 Future US 52 North/I-74 West lanes being graded  approaching the NC 65 bridge.


Image of US 52 North roadway heading under NC 65 brudge in 
        future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction project work zone, Google Maps Street View, June 2023 US 52 North following ramp to NC 65 as future lanes are being graded.


Image of US 52 North roadway paralleling future I-74 West lanes still under construction heading
        under NC 65 bridge as part of the future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction project, Google Maps Street View, June 2023 Current US 52 North lanes heading under the NC 65 bridge.


Google Street View images along US 52 South in Beltway interchange construction zone, April 2023:

Image of future ramp to Winston-Salem Northern Beltway from US 52 South, Google Maps Street View image, 
        April 2023Not much has changed with the future Beltway ramp from US 52 South since October.


Image of future US 52 North lanes near completion and bridge over future Northern Beltway lanes, 
        Google Maps Street View image, April 2023Looking east toward the future US 52 North lanes and bridge over the future Beltway.


Image of future US 52 North lanes from US 52 South, Google Maps Street View image, 
        April 2023Future US 52 lanes partially graded, guardrails in place.


Image of future US 52 North lanes near completion and bridge over future Northern Beltway ramp, 
        Google Maps Street View image, April 2023Looking east at the future US 52 North lanes and bridge over a future Beltway ramp.


Image of future US 52 North lanes near completion looking north towards Northern Beltway on-ramp, 
        Google Maps Street View image, April 2023Looking back along the future US 52 North lanes and  the future ramp carrying I-74 West from the Beltway.


Image of construction progress of future I-74 West ramp to US 52 North from Northern Beltway, 
        Google Maps Street View image, April 2023Closer look at progress building the future I-74 West ramp to US 52 North, still much work to be completed.


Image of future US 52 North lanes near completion curving toward bridge over future Northern Beltway lanes, 
        Google Maps Street View image, April 2023Closure look at nearly complete future US 52 North lanes and bridge over the future Beltway. Traffic still using existing lanes to the left.


Image of future US 52 North bridge near completion in Northern Beltway interchange construction zone, 
        Google Maps Street View image, April 2023The future US 52 North bridge near completion at the southern end of the Beltway construction zone.


Image of future US 52 North bridge looking north towards future Northern Beltway interchange, 
        Google Maps Street View image, April 2023Looking back at the future US 52 North bridge and lanes heading towards the future Beltway exit.


Image of future US 52 North lanes being prepared to tie in to existing lanes at southern end of
        Beltway interchange construction project, Google Maps Street View image, April 2023Workers tying in the future US 52 North lanes with the existing ones close to the Ziglar Road bridge.


Image of from US 52 South lanes of future exit ramp to Winston-Salem Northern Beltway from US 52 North, 
        Google Maps Street View image, April 2023Looking across towards the future US 52 North exit ramp with the future Beltway.


Image of US 52 South lanes passing by nearly demolished Ziglar Road bridge at start of Northern 
        Beltway interchange work zone, Google Maps Street View image, April 2023Looking south along US 52 towards the partially demolished Ziglar Road bridge, needed to be replaced so this section can be widened as part of the Beltway interchange project.


Image of US 52 South lanes passing by nearly demolished Ziglar Road bridge at start of Northern 
        Beltway interchange work zone, Google Maps Street View image, April 2023Looking north again along US 52 at widening work being started north of the Ziglar Road bridge.


Image of US 52 North lanes passing under partially demolished Ziglar Road bridge at start of Northern 
        Beltway interchange work zone, Google Maps Street View image, April 2023Looking towards US 52 North passing under the remains of the Ziglar Road bridge at the start of the Beltway interchange project work zone.


EARLIER PHOTOS

Google Street View images along I-40 in Beltway interchange construction zone, March 2023 (except where indicated) going west to east:

Image of construction equipment and grading at start of I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
        construction zone along I-40 East, Google Maps Street View, March 2023Grading for what appears to be the future ramp from I-40 East to I-74 East near the beginning of the work zone.


Image of construction equipment and grading in I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
        construction zone along I-40 East, Google Maps Street View, March 2023Additional grading and excavation seen beyond the concrete barrier.


Image of excavation along path of future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
        seen along I-40 East, Google Maps Street View, March 2023Excavation of a hill encroaching on the work zone.


Image of flyover ramp supports as part of I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
        construction project along I-40 East, Google Maps Street View, March 2023Approaching the future I-40 West interchange ramps.


Image of construction equipment and grading at start of I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
        construction zone along I-40 East, Google Maps Street View, March 2023A closer look at the supports under construction for the future flyover ramp from I-40 West to I-74 East.


Image of construction of bridge that will carry I-40 East lanes over I-74/Winston-Salem Northern 
        Beltway, Google Maps Street View, March 2023Part of future bridge of I-40 East over the I-74 Beltway being constructed.


Image of support pillar alongside I-40 East lanes for future ramp to I-74/Winston-Salem Northern 
        Beltway headed east, Google Maps Street View, March 2023A close look at the closest support under construction for the future flyover ramp alongside I-40 East.


Image of excavating and grading for I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
        interhange along I-40 East, Google Maps Street View, March 2023Future I-40 East lanes being excavated just beyond a mile from the Union Cross Road exit.


Image of remaining old bridge being demolished to make way for wider I-40 lanes in I-74/
        Winston-Salem Northern Beltway construction zone along I-40 East, Google Maps Street View, March 2023What remains of bridge over I-40 West being removed in I-74 Beltway construction zone.


Image of grading along I-40 East for future lanes as part of I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
        construction project, Google Maps Street View, March 2023Looking east along I-40 where grading for future lanes extends towards Union Cross Road.


Image of construction grading an grading along I-40 headed west towards future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
        interchange in project construction zone, Google Maps Street View, March 2023Looking west just beyond ramp from Union Cross Road showing extensive landscape work along I-40 East.


Image of construction equipment and grading along I-40 East at eastern end of I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
        construction zone, Google Maps Street View, February 2023A look at the excavation along the eastbound lanes from I-40 West approaching Union Cross Road, February 2023.


Image of construction equipment and grading at start of I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
        construction zone along I-40 East, Google Maps Street View, February 2023More excavation along I-40 East looking back towards the future I-74/Beltway interchange, February 2023.


Image of construction of noise wall I-40 East at Union Cross Road, part of I-74 Beltway
        construction project, Google Maps Street View, March 2023Construction of a noise wall at the Union Cross Road exit on I-40 East.


EARLIER PHOTOS

Taken by Adam Prince along NC 74 West on March 31, 2023:

Image of 1 mile advance overhead sign for NC 74 (Future I-74) West/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
        exit on US 421 North/Salem Parkway, Adam Prince, March 2023A closeup of the 1 Mile advance sign for the Beltway exit on US 421 North. Notice the sign has not been updated since the Beltway was opened to NC 66, probably not to encourage too much out of state traffic to US 52 North.


Image of overhead ramp sign for NC 74 (Future I-74) West/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
        exit on US 421 North/Salem Parkway, Adam Prince, March 2023A closeup of the exit sign for the Beltway exit on US 421 North. The ramp is restricted to 1 lane due to new construction along NC 74 West.


Image of lane restrictions along NC 74 (Future I-74) West/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
        after US 421 exit, Adam Prince, March 2023View of the lane restrictions on NC 74 West between US 421 and US 158.


Image of sound wall construction along NC 74 (Future I-74) West/Winston-Salem Northern 
        Beltway, Adam Prince, March 2023A closeup of the sound wall construction along NC 74 West causing the lane restrictions.


Image of 1/2 mile advance overhead sign for the US 158 exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) West/Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway, Adam Prince, March 2023A closeup of the 1/2 mile advance sign for the US 158/Reidsville Road exit on NC 74 West.


Image of overhead signage at the ramp for the US 158 exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) West/Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway, Adam Prince, March 2023Overhead signage at the US 158/Reidsville Road exit on NC 74 West.


Image of 1 mile advance sign for US 311 exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) West/Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway, Adam Prince, March 2023A closeup of the 1 mile advance sign for the US 311/New Walkertown Road exit further west on NC 74.


Image of 2 Miles advance sign for Baux Mountain Road exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) West/Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway, Adam Prince, March 2023Beyond US  311 is a 2 Miles advance for Baux Mountain Road. Is this interchange that important? There is also a West NC 74 reassurance marker beyond just before the next noise wall.


Image of overhead ramp sign for Baux Mountain Road exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) West/Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway, Adam Prince, March 2023The exit sign for Baux Mountain Road. The ramp here has a noise wall.


Image of 1 Mile advance sign for NC 8/Germanton Road exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) West/Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway, Adam Prince, March 2023The 1/2 Mile advance for NC 8/Germanton Road. Apparently this is Bridge No. 2775.


Image of overhead signage at exit for NC 8/Germanton Road on NC 74 (Future I-74) West/Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway, Adam Prince, March 2023A closeup of the overhead signage at the NC 8/Germanton Road exit. The current end of the Beltway is 1 1/2 miles away.


Image of 1/2 Mile advance sign for NC 66/University Parkway exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) West/Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway, Adam Prince, March 2023The 1/2 Mile advance for NC 66/University Parkway and another All Traffic Exit yellow tab below the exit number.


Image of overhead signage at the current end of NC 74 (Future I-74) West/Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway at NC 66, Adam Prince, March 2023The exit sign at the current end of NC 74 West at NC 66/University Parkway. The gantry awaits a US 52 exit sign.


Image of continuing roadway at the current end of NC 74 (Future I-74) West/Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway towards US 52, Adam Prince, March 2023Looking along the remaining section of the Beltway under construction to US 52 in the distance.


Image of a pair of NC 66 trailblazers at the end of NC 74 (Future I-74) West/Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway along the offramp, Adam Prince, March 2023The NC 66 trailblazers along the ramp from NC 74 West. There is also a To US 52 trailblazer (see below) for any traffic wanting to use the neighborhood streets to travel between the 2 freeways.


Taken from Google Maps Street View images in January 2023 at the current western end of the Beltway at NC 66:

Image of To US 52 trailblazer on ramp to NC 66 exit at current end of NC 74 West/Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway, Google Maps Street View, January 2023A To US 52 trailblazer on the ramp to NC 66, to help traffic get there from the Beltway.


Image of view west from NC 66/University Parkway bridge toward future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
        exit with US 52, Google Maps Street View, January 2023Looking west from NC 66 bridge toward future interchange with US 52 and the Beltway.


Image of East NC 74 and South NC 66 trailblazers at ramp to Winston-Salem Northern Beltway on
        University Parkway, Google Maps Street View, January 2023Closeup of the East NC 74 and South NC 66 trailblazers at the intersection with the Beltway on-ramp.


Taken from Google Maps Street View images in November and December 2022 along I-40 East and West at future Beltway interchange:

Image of clearing and grading along I-40 East lanes for future interchange with I-74/Winston-Salem 
       Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, November 2022View across I-40 East lanes of construction for future Beltway interchange in November 2022.


Image of clearing and grading along I-40 East lanes for future interchange with I-74/Winston-Salem 
       Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, November 2022View from I-40 East lanes of future Beltway interchange.


Image of bridge support under construction along I-40 East lanes for future interchange with I-74/Winston-Salem 
       Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, November 2022View of bridge support being constructed for the future Beltway interchange.


Image of grading along I-40 East lanes for future ramp lanes of interchange with I-74/Winston-Salem 
       Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, November 2022Grading for future lanes for either I-40 or Beltway interchange ramps.


Image of clearing and lane shift along I-40 East lanes for future interchange with I-74/Winston-Salem 
       Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, November 2022Looking east along I-40 showing clearing and a slight lane shift being completed toward the median. Also houses now with view of construction zone.


Image of equipment clearing lane along I-40 East lanes for future interchange with I-74/Winston-Salem 
       Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, November 2022Piece of construction equipment along I-40 East lanes in the Beltway interchange work zone.


Image of clearing and grading along I-40 East lanes for future interchange with I-74/Winston-Salem 
       Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, November 2022Clearing continues approaching the Union Cross Road exit.


Image of clearing and grading along I-40 East lanes at milepost 200 for future interchange with I-74/Winston-Salem 
       Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, November 2022View of construction progress at the I-40 East Mile 200 marker.


Heading now westbound, in November and December 2022:

Image of clearing and grading along I-40 West lanes near Union Cross Road for future interchange with I-74/Winston-Salem 
       Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, November 2022Clearing and grading has started just after the Union Cross Road exit. in November 2022.


Image of clearing and grading and some concrete pipes along I-40 West lanes after Union Cross Road for future interchange with I-74/Winston-Salem 
       Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, November 2022In addition to clearing and grading, some concrete pipe structure appear along I-40 West.


Image of clearing and grading along I-40 West lanes after Union Cross Road for future interchange with I-74/Winston-Salem 
       Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, November 2022The appearance of the construction zone at mile marker 200 heading west.


Image of clearing and grading along I-40 West lanes for future interchange with I-74/Winston-Salem 
       Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, November 2022Some recently cleared land along I-40 West still in November 2022.


Image of clearing and grading and water runoff management projects along I-40 West lanes for future interchange with I-74/Winston-Salem 
       Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, November 2022In addition to clearing some berms and rock fill for drainage purposes can be seen along this part of I-40 West.


Image of clearing and grading along I-40 West lanes for future interchange with I-74/Winston-Salem 
       Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, December 2022Further grading progress can be seen looking from the I-40 West lanes now in December 2022.


Image of bridge support under construction as seen from I-40 West for future interchange with I-74/Winston-Salem 
       Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, December 2022Progress in building the bridge support seen from the I-40 West lanes also now in December 2022.


Image of bridge structures being constructed along I-40 East lanes for future interchange with I-74/Winston-Salem 
       Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, December 2022Additional supports for future ramps and bridges can be seen across the I-40 East lanes.


Image of crane and future ramp construction seen from I-40 West lanes for future interchange with I-74/Winston-Salem 
       Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, December 2022Crane helping construct future ramp with future Beltway lanes partially graded heading off in the distance.


Image of grading and construction seen across I-40 West lanes for future interchange with I-74/Winston-Salem 
       Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, December 2022More cranes and bridge supports under construction can be seen from the I-40 West lanes along with a tractor trailer advertising for more workers.


EARLIER PHOTOS

Taken during a road trip to North Carolina on October 14, 2022, photos east to west:

Competed Roadway, US 421 to US 311

Image of 2 miles advance overhead sign for NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
        exit on US 421 North/Salem Parkway in Kernersville, October 2022First advance sign at two miles east of, for now NC 74 West, on US 421 North.


Image of 1 mile advance overhead sign for NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
        exit on US 421 North/Salem Parkway in Kernersville, October 2022The 1 Mile advance sign on US 421 North, Salem Parkway West.


Image of construction along right lane of US 421 approaching NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway exit, October 2022Entering the Beltway construction zone 1/2 mile from the NC 74 West exit.


Image of construction along right lane of US 421 approaching NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway exit, October 2022Concrete barrier separates US 421 North traffic from widening project east of the NC 74 West exit.


Image of construction along right lane of US 421 approaching NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway exit, October 2022Still before the NC 74 West exit, construction equipment along the future additional US 421 North lane.


Image of construction along right lane of US 421 approaching NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway exit, October 2022More construction equipment along US 421 North.


Image of overhead exit sign for NC 74 (Future I-74) West, Winston-Salem Northern Beltway exit on US 421, 
        Salem Parkway, October 2022The exit signage at the NC 74 (Future I-74) West Beltway ramp on US 421 North.


Image of ramp from of US 421 entering NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, October 2022First advance sign for US 158 exit after merge of C/D ramp from US 421 exits on NC 74 West.


Image of overhead signage for US 158 exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) West, Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway, October 2022First temporary mile marker along NC 74 West.


Image of West NC 74 reassurance marker on Winston-Salem Northern Beltway after US 421/Salem Parkway exit, October 2022First advance sign at two miles east of, for now NC 74 West, on US 421 North.


Image of 1/2 Mile advance overhead sign for US 158 exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, October 2022The 1/2 Mile advance comes with temporary signage indicating lane reductions after the exit.


Image of overhead ramp sign for US 158 exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, October 2022The US 158 exit sign shares a gantry with the first advance sign for the current end of the Beltway at US 311/New Walkertown Road.


Image of gore sign for US 158 exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, October 2022The gore sign for the US 158 exit, eventually 50 miles more on I-74 until the Virginia border.


Image of West NC 74 reassurance marker on Winston-Salem Northern Beltway after US 158 exit, October 2022The second NC 74 West reassurance marker after the US 158 exit has two support posts.


Image of 1 Mile advance overhead sign on NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, October 2022The 1 Mile advance for the 311 (North in the future, see sign plans) exit just prior to the lanes drop.


Image of West NC 74 (Future I-74) Mile 50 marker on Winston-Salem Northern Beltway prior to US 311 exit, October 2022The temporary NC 74 Mile 50 marker.


Image of start of construction zone for extension of West NC 74 (Future I-74) Winston-Salem Northern Beltway after US 311 exit, October 2022The roadway prior to the US 311 exit has been repaved in anticipation of the route's extension to NC 66 in November.


Image of new pavement for extension of West NC 74 (Future I-74) Winston-Salem Northern Beltway approaching US 311 exit, October 2022The roadway prior to the US 311 exit has been repaved in anticipation of the route's extension to NC 66 in November.


Image of newly paved temporary end to NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway headed west at US 311 
        exit in Winston-Salem, October 2022The newly paved roadway continues beyond current end of NC 74 West at US 311. Notice the sign gantries up for the future eastbound Beltway in the distance (more to see in photos below).


Image of unopened roadway for extension of West NC 74 (Future I-74) Winston-Salem Northern Beltway after US 311 exit, October 2022Closeup of the gore sign for the US 311 exit. Will the 25 mph advisory be removed when the next section opens?


Image of North US 311 reassurance marker at end of ramp from current end of NC 74 (Future I-74) West, October 2022The North US 311 reassurance marker after turning left at the end of the exit ramp.


Baux Mountain Road

Image of 1 mile advance overhead sign for Baux Mountain Road exit placed on unopened NC 74 
        (Future I-74) Winston-Salem Northern Beltway near Old Hollow Road bridge in Forsyth County, October 2022Recently placed 1 mile advance sign for the Baux Mountain Road exit on the umopened Beltway heading east at the NC 66/Old Hollow Road bridge.


NC 8 / Germanton Road Exit

Image of overhead signage at future exit ramp for NC 8 on NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, October 2022Overhead signage at future NC 74 West ramp for the NC 8/Germanton Road exit (Exit 43). Notice the next All Traffic Exit warning sign appearing over the NC 66 (Exit 42) 1 1/2 Miles advance.


Image of unopened NC 74 (Future I-74) Winston-Salem Northern Beltway in vicinity of NC 8 exit, October 2022View from near the NC 8/Germanton Road exit looking along the future Beltway heading east toward Old Hollow Road (NC 66).


Image of noise wall placed along Future NC 74 (I-74) East near future NC 8/Germanton Road exit 
                                             in Winston-Salem, October 2022Closeup of the noise wall along the future Eastbound Beltway lanes near the NC 8/Germanton Road exit ramp.


Image of unactivated VMS along Future NC 74 (I-74) West near future NC 8/Germanton Road exit 
                                             in Winston-Salem, October 2022View of soon to be activated VMS heading west near the NC 8/Germanton Road exit.


Image of roundabout on NC 8/Germanton Road south of the bridge across the Winston-Salem Northern
        Beltway for future ramp to NC 74 East, October 2022Approaching the roundabout at the future ramp to East NC 74 south of the bridge over the Beltway heading north on NC 8.


Image of crossing NC 8/Germanton Road over the bridge across the Winston-Salem Northern
        Beltway for future ramp to NC 74 East, October 2022Crossing the nearly completed NC 8 bridge over the Beltway heading north.


Image of roundabout on NC 8/Germanton Road south of the bridge across the Winston-Salem Northern
        Beltway for future ramp to NC 74 East, October 2022North NC 8 trailblazer and covered over one for NC 74 West north of the bridge over the unopened Beltway.


Image of entering roundabout on NC 8/Germanton Road north of the bridge across the Winston-Salem Northern
        Beltway for future ramp to NC 74 West, October 2022Approaching the roundabout at the future ramp to West NC 74 heading north on NC 8.


Image of uncovered Jct NC 74 trailblazer on NC 8 South approaching the bridge across the Winston-Salem Northern
        Beltway for future ramp to NC 74 West, October 2022After turning around, noticed this uncovered Jct NC 74 trailblazer approaching the roundabout with the future ramp to East NC 74.


Image of roundabout on NC 8/Germanton Road south of the bridge across the Winston-Salem Northern
        Beltway for future ramp to NC 74 East, October 2022Entering the roundabout north of the bridge over the Beltway with the future ramp to NC 74 (Future I-74) West.


Image of covered over West NC 74 trailblazer heading south through roundabout on NC 8/Germanton Road north of the bridge across the Winston-Salem Northern
        Beltway, October 2022Covered over trailblazer for West NC 74 along the roundabout heading south on NC 8.


Image of future ramp from NC 8 to NC 74 (Future I-74) Winston-Salem Northern
        Beltway, October 2022Closeup of the future ramp to West NC 74 north of the NC 8 bridge over the Beltway.


Image of heading south on NC 8/Germanton Road over of the bridge across the Winston-Salem Northern
        Beltway between the future ramps to NC 74, October 2022Heading south over the bridge over the Beltway on NC 8.


Image of uncovered NC 74 and NC 8 trailblazers approaching roundabout at future NC 74 East ramp 
                                             in Winston-Salem, October 2022Uncovered East NC 74 trailblazer approaching second roundabout for the future Beltway ramps on NC 8 South.


Image of view looking north from NC 8/Germanton Road bridge over unopened section of NC 74 (Future I-74) 
        Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, October 2022Looking north across unopened section of the Winston-Salem Beltway from the NC 8/Germanton Road bridge.


Image of view south along NC 8/Germanton Road bridge over unopened section of NC 74 (Future I-74) 
        Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, October 2022Looking south at the NC 8/Germanton Road bridge over the future section of NC 74 (I-74).


Image of view looking north from middle of NC 8/Germanton Road bridge over unopened section of NC 74 (Future I-74) 
        Winston-Salem Northern Beltway looking toward NC 66 exit, October 2022Looking north across unopened section of the Winston-Salem Beltway toward NC 66 from the middle of NC 8/Germanton Road bridge. Notice the first steps of lane striping along the left shoulders has begun (and some ground level signage has been installed).


Image of view looking north from NC 8/Germanton Road bridge over unopened section of NC 74 (Future I-74) 
        Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, October 2022Looking south along the unopened section of the Winston-Salem Beltway from the NC 8/Germanton Road bridge toward Old Hollow Road. More lane striping and ground level signage can be seen


Image of newly opened roundabout along NC 8 for future NC 74 West/Winston-Salem Northern
          Beltway ramp, October 2022Another view of the northern NC 8 roundabout from walking along the bridge.


Image of future NC 74 West ramp from NC 8/Germanton Road along unopened section of
                                             Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, October 2022A closer view of the future NC 74 West ramp from NC 8, with Road Closed sign being a suggestion, it appears (was tempted).


Stanleyville Road Bridge

Image of overhead signage at future NC 74 East ramp to NC 66/University Parkway
                                             in Winston-Salem, October 2022Seen from the bridge, the overhead exit sign and All Traffic Must Exit yellow tab above at the future NC 66 exit.


Image of overhead signage at future NC 74 East ramp to NC 66/University Parkway
                                             in Winston-Salem, October 2022A closer view at the future NC 66 exit. Notice the construction vehicle heading east.


Image of from Stanleyville Road bridge to NC 66/University Parkway over unopened section of
                                             Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, October 2022The view west from the bridge toward the future NC 8 exit. There is a VMS headed in this direction as well.


Image of overhead signage at future NC 74 East ramp to NC 66/University Parkway
                                             in Winston-Salem, October 2022A closer view at the future NC 8 exit. The same construction vehicle from above heading east, another heading the 'wrong way' in the westbound lanes.


NC 66/University Parkway Interchange

Image of uncovered NC 74 trailblazer approaching future NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway on 
        NC 66 South in Winston-Salem, October 2022Uncovered Jct NC 74 trailblazer approaching  the future Beltway ramps on NC 66 South.


Image of covered traffic signals on NC 66 North at future NC 74 East/Northern Beltway ramp in 
       Winston-Salem, October 2022Covered traffic signals at future NC 74 East ramp on NC 66 North.


Image of uncovered NC 74 trailblazer approaching future NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway on 
        NC 66 South in Winston-Salem, October 2022North NC 66 trailblazer at future NC 74 West Beltway ramp.


Image of uncovered NC 74 trailblazer approaching future NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway on 
        NC 66 South in Winston-Salem, October 2022Looking south along NC 66 toward future NC 74 West ramp.


Image of covered NC 74 West trailblazer approaching future NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway on 
        NC 66/University Parkway South in Winston-Salem, October 2022Covered NC 74 West trailblazer next to one for South NC 66 approaching future Beltway interchange.


US 52 interchange

Image approaching start of future ramp from US 52 North to NC 74 (Future I-74) East/Winston-Salem 
          Northern Beltway, October 2022Approaching the site of the future ramp to NC 74 (I-74) East from US 52 North.


Image of workers paving future US 52 ramp to NC 74 (Future I-74) Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, 
          October 2022Workers paving site of the future ramp to NC 74 (I-74) East.


Image approaching interchange construction area for future I-74 Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
          and US 52 North, October 2022Work continuing on future US 52 North lanes in the Beltway interchange work zone.


Image of new US 52 North lanes under construction as seen from current lanes in Winston-Salem 
          Northern Beltway interchange construction zone, October 2022View of future US 52 lanes paralleling current lanes approaching future on-ramp for I-74 West.


Image of new US 52 North lanes being graded as seen from current lanes in Winston-Salem 
          Northern Beltway interchange construction zone approaching old US 52 South ramp bridge, October 2022Grading of future US 52 lanes paralleling current lanes approaching old ramp bridge from US 52 South.


Image of new US 52 North lanes under construction as seen from current lanes in Winston-Salem 
          Northern Beltway interchange construction zone, October 2022Future US 52 lanes tower over current lanes at site of future on-ramp for I-74 West from the Beltway.


Image of future merge area between US 52 North and I-74 West from the Winston-Salem 
          Northern Beltway in interchange construction zone, October 2022View of future merge site for US 52 North and lanes from I-74 West/Northern Beltway prior to NC 65 exit.


Image of new NC 65 bridge as seen from US 52 lanes lanes in Winston-Salem 
          Northern Beltway interchange construction zone, October 2022Approaching the new NC 65 bridge with future US 52 North lanes under construction to the left.


Image of new US 52 South lanes approaching future ramp from I-74 West/Winston-Salem 
          Northern Beltway in Rural Hall, October 2022Turning around, view of new US 52 South lanes approaching future on-ramp from I-74 West/Northern Beltway.


Image of new US 52 South lanes approaching future on-ramp from I-74 West/Winston-Salem 
          Northern Beltway in Rural Hall, October 2022Site of the future on-ramp from I-74 West as it merges onto US 52 (Future I-285) South.


Image of 1 mile advance sign for Hanes Mill Road exit on US 52 South after future ramp from I-74 West/Winston-Salem 
          Northern Beltway in Rural Hall, October 2022The 1 Mile advance sign for the Hanes Mill Road exit at the end of the Beltway construction zone.


Image of new US 52 South lanes approaching future on-ramp from I-274 East/Winston-Salem 
          Northern Beltway in Rural Hall, October 2022The future on-ramp from I-274 East onto US 52 (Future I-285) South.


Image of new US 52 South lanes approaching end of I-74 West/Winston-Salem 
          Northern Beltway cosntruction zone in Rural Hall, October 2022View approaching the end of the new US 52 South lanes at the southern limits of the Beltway interchange work zone.


Construction Photos

Images from Google Maps Street View of Beltway construction, taken in May to September 2022 east to west along the Beltway corridor:

I-40 (New 11/13) July-September 2022

Image taken looking east from I-40 West lanes toward clearing being made at future site of 
          Winston-Salem Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, September 2022View looking east from I-40 West toward the start of clearing at site surrounding the future Beltway interchange, 2 miles west of the Union Cross Road exit in September.


Image taken from I-40 West of clearing being made at future site of 
          Winston-Salem Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, July 2022View looking from I-40 West toward equipment starting to clear the site of future Beltway interchange, in July.


Image taken looking east from I-40 West lanes toward clearing being made at future site of 
          Winston-Salem Northern Beltway in Forsyth County, Google Maps Street View, September 2022View across I-40 East at site of future Beltway interchange, in August.


US 311

Image of Future I-74 Beltway west of US 311 exit now paved and with noise walls, Google Maps 
        Street View, May 2022Looking north (west) from US 311 bridge along Future I-74 which appears paved and has noise walls installed along eastbound lanes.


Old Walkertown Road

Image of Old Walkertown Road bridge for future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway from Dippen
        Road intersection, Google Maps Street View, May 2022Looking south towards the bridge at Dippen Road now with vegetation growing on surrounding landscaping.


Image of Old Walkertown Road bridge for future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, now with 
        noise walls on either side, Google Maps Street View, May 2022Looking north towards the bridge now with noise walls along the future eastbound lanes.


Image of Old Walkertown Road bridge for future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, railroad
        crossing now fully installed along east side, Google Maps Street View, May 2022Looking towards the railroad crossing and more noise walls along the roadway heading east.


NC 8 / Germanton Road interchange

Image of completed southern roundabout on NC 8/Germanton Road at future I-74 East/Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway ramps, Google Maps Street View, May 2022The completed roundabout at the future ramps to and from I-74 East.


Image of view looking east from NC 8/Germanton Road bridge at future I-74 East/Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway, Google Maps Street View, May 2022Looking east along the future Beltway/ I-74 lanes from the NC 8 bridge.


Image of view looking west from NC 8/Germanton Road bridge at future I-74 East/Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway, Google Maps Street View, May 2022Now looking to the west from the NC 8 bridge showing a noise wall along the future I-74 East lanes.


Image of completed northern roundabout on NC 8/Germanton Road bridge at future I-74 East/
        Winston-Salem Northern Beltway ramps, Google Maps Street View, May 2022The completed northern roundabout at the future Beltway/ I-74 West ramps.


Baux Mountain Road (New 11/13)

Image of new roundabout along Baux Mountain Road south of unopened Winston-Salem Northern 
          Beltway with future ramps to and from NC 74 (Future I-74) East, Google Maps Street View, July 2022Looking north towards the first roundabout built at the site of future Beltway east on and off-ramps, taken in July 2022.


Image of future on-ramp from southern roundabout to unopened Winston-Salem Northern 
          Beltway ramp to NC 74 (Future I-74) East, Google Maps Street View, July 2022Looking along the future Beltway east on-ramp, recently paved.


Image of new roundabout along Baux Mountain Road south of unopened Winston-Salem Northern 
          Beltway and future ramp from NC 74 (Future I-74) East, Google Maps Street View, July 2022Looking back towards the southern roundabout at the future Beltway east off-ramp, also recently paved.


Image of new roundabout along Baux Mountain Road south of unopened Winston-Salem Northern 
          Beltway with future off-ramp from NC 74 (Future I-74) East, Google Maps Street View, July 2022Looking along the future off-ramp from NC 74 (Future I-74) East.


Image of new Baux Mountain Road bridge over unopened Winston-Salem Northern 
          Beltway / NC 74 (Future I-74), Google Maps Street View, July 2022Looking north again towards the new Baux Mountain Road bridge over the unopened Beltway.


Image looking west from Baux Mountain Road bridge along unopened Winston-Salem Northern 
          Beltway / NC 74 (Future I-74) West, Google Maps Street View, July 2022Looking west along the unopened Beltway from the Baux Mountain Road bridge.


Image looking east from Baux Mountain Road bridge along unopened Winston-Salem Northern 
          Beltway / NC 74 (Future I-74) East, Google Maps Street View, July 2022Now looking east from the Baux Mountain Road bridge.


Image looking north toward second Baux Mountain Road roundabout containing future on and off-
          ramps to unopened Winston-Salem Northern Beltway / NC 74 (Future I-74) West, Google Maps Street View, July 2022Heading north toward the second roundabout for future on and off-ramps from NC 74 West.


Image looking from Baux Mountain Road roundabout toward future on-
          ramp to unopened Winston-Salem Northern Beltway / NC 74 (Future I-74) West, Google Maps Street View, July 2022Light poles are up, but sound wall still needs completion along future on-ramp to NC 74 (Future I-74) West.


Image looking from Baux Mountain Road roundabout toward future off-
          ramp from unopened Winston-Salem Northern Beltway / NC 74 (Future I-74) West, Google Maps Street View, July 2022Looking toward the recently paved off-ramp from NC 74 (Future I-74) East. Notice the extensive noise wall along the westbound lanes.


Image looking toward Baux Mountain Road roundabout and future on and off-
          ramps from unopened Winston-Salem Northern Beltway / NC 74 (Future I-74) West, Google Maps Street View, July 2022Looking back towards the roundabout north of the Beltway.


Stanleyville Drive

Image looking west from Stanleyville Drive toward future I-74/Winston Salem Northern Beltway 
                                            interchange with NC 66/University Parkway, Google Maps Street View, May 2022Looking east from Stanleyville Drive bridge looking toward NC 8.


Image looking east from Stanleyville Drive toward future I-74/Winston Salem Northern Beltway 
                                            interchange with NC 8/Germanton Road, Google Maps Street View, May 2022Looking west from Stanleyville Drive bridge looking toward NC 66, showing new support for future advance sign for NC 8 exit at left.


NC 66/University Parkway

Image of completed ramp from NC 66/University Parkway from future I-74 West/Winston-Salem Northern 
       Beltway, Google Maps Street View, May 2022Looking down future off-ramp from I-74 West from NC 66 northbound lanes.


Image of installed traffic signals on NC 66/University Parkway at future I-74 West/Winston-Salem Northern 
       Beltway ramps, Google Maps Street View, May 2022Heading south on NC 66, traffic signals have been installed at the future westbound ramps.


Image looking west from NC 66/University Parkway bridge over future I-74 West/Winston-Salem Northern 
       Beltway, Google Maps Street View, May 2022Looking west from the NC 66 bridge toward the US 52 interchange, somewhat easy to tell where the US 52 contract, delayed by 8 months, starts.


Image of completed ramp from NC 66/University Parkway to and from future I-74 East/Winston-Salem Northern 
       Beltway, Google Maps Street View, May 2022Looking at traffic signals installed at future on-ramp to I-74 East from NC 66 northbound lanes.


Image of NC 66 trailblazer at future I-74 East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway ramp, Google Maps Street 
        View, May 2022Installed South NC 66 trailblazer at future I-74 East ramp.


US 52 interchange

Heading north

Image of widening construction along US 52 (Future I-285) North approaching future Winston Salem 
        Northern Beltway interchange, Google Maps Street View, May 2022View along US 52 North entering Beltway interchange construction zone, future ramp to I-74 East being constructed.


Image of construction along US 52 (Future I-285) North inside future Winston Salem 
        Northern Beltway interchange, Google Maps Street View, May 2022Looking to the east toward future Beltway and ramps to and from US 52 North (I-74 West).


Image of graded ramp for future I-74 West/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway merging with US 52 in Rural
        Hall, Google Maps Street View, May 2022Future I-74 West lanes merging onto US 52 North at site of previous NC 66 exit, note ramp bridge from old US 52 South lanes still intact across the highway.


Image of old NC 66 ramp bridge partially demolished in future Winston Salem 
        Northern Beltway interchange construction zone, Google Maps Street View, May 2022Only part of the former ramp carrying traffic from US 52 South to NC 66 still remains over the northbound lanes.


Heading south on new lanes:

Image entering new US 52 South (Future I-74 East) lanes from NC 65 on-ramp before bridge, Google Maps 
        Street View image, May 2022Crossing new US 52 South bridge approaching future Beltway interchange.


Image of US 52 South (Future I-285 South) signage at future Beltway exit ramp, Google Maps 
        Street View image, May 2022View from US 52 North of overhead signage for US 52 South in place at future I-74 East Beltway ramp.


Image of future ramp to I-74 East Winston-Salem Northern Beltwat from US 52 South, Google Maps 
        Street View image, May 2022The future I-74 East ramp heading onto the Beltway (and the future start of I-285 South to the left).


Image of new US 52 South (Future I-285 South) lanes after I-74 East/Beltway off-ramp, Google Maps 
        Street View image, May 2022US 52 South after the future I-74 East/Beltway off-ramp split. Note room for additional third lane.


Image of new US 52 South at future on-ramp from Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, Google Maps 
        Street View image, May 2022New US 52 South lanes heading toward future Beltway on-ramp.


Image of future Beltway ramp from new US 52 South (Future I-285 South) lanes, Google Maps 
        Street View image, May 2022Looking east along future Beltway lanes from US 52 South bridge. New US 52 North bridge under construction.


Image of future US 52 North (Future I-285 North) bridge under construction from US 52 South lanes, Google Maps 
        Street View image, May 2022Another future US 52 North bridge under construction as seen from the southbound lanes.


Image of new 1 mile advance sign for Hanes Mill Road on US 52 South lanes, Google Maps 
        Street View image, May 2022The 1 mile advance sign for Hanes Mill Road with US 52 exit number.


Image of new US 52 South (Future I-285 South) lanes at future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway on-ramp, Google Maps 
        Street View image, May 2022New US 52 southbound lanes at the future Beltway on-ramp.


Image of blue services sign along US 52 South (Future I-285 South) lanes at new railroad bridge, Google Maps 
        Street View image, May 2022A blue services sign for Hanes Mill Road prior to new bridge over railroad tracks along US 52 South.


Image of looking back along US 52 South (Future I-285 South) lanes at future US 52 bridge under construction, Google Maps 
        Street View image, May 2022Looking backwards along US 52 South showing progress in building future northbound bridge.


Image of new US 52 South (Future I-285 South) lanes approaching original roadbed at end of future I-74 
        Winston-Salem Northern Beltway construction zone, Google Maps Street View image, May 2022New US 52 South lanes about to meet original alignment at end of I-74/Beltway construction zone prior to Hanes Mill Road exit.


Photos taken by site contributor J. Austin Carter in late November 2021:

Around the future University Parkway/NC 66 exit:

Image of future roadbed of I-74/Winston Salem Northern Beltway looking southeast from University Avenue 
                                          toward the Stanleyville Drive bridge, by J. Austin Carter, November 2021View looking from University Drive (NC 66) eastward along future Beltway toward the Stanleyville Drive bridge.


Image of open University Avenue bridge over future I-74/Winston Salem Northern Beltway looking south 
       from former roadway roadbed, by J. Austin Carter, November 2021View looking at new University Drive (NC 66) bridge from location of former roadway. Notice paving has started and a support for an advance sign for the NC 8/Germanton Road exit has been installed.


Image along University Avenue (NC 66) bridge over future I-74/Winston Salem Northern Beltway, 
        by J. Austin Carter, November 2021View looking south along the University Drive (NC 66) bridge.


Image along University Avenue (NC 66) bridge over future I-74/Winston Salem Northern Beltway, 
        by J. Austin Carter, November 2021View looking toward the University Avenue (NC 66) bridge in the vicinity of one of the future off-ramps from I-74.


From the vicinity of Stanleyville Drive:

Image of view looking northwest from near Stanleyville Drive showing construction of the I-74/Winston 
        Salem Northern Beltway toward University Avenue, by J. Austin Carter, November 2021View looking northwest from beyond the Stanleyville Drive bridge towards the future interchange at NC 66 / University Avenue.


Image of closeup view looking northwest from near Stanleyville Drive showing construction of the I-74/Winston 
        Salem Northern Beltway toward University Avenue, by J. Austin Carter, November 2021Closer view looking at construction equipment along the future I-74 West roadway headed towards the future interchange at NC 66 / University Avenue.


Image of view looking southeast from near Stanleyville Drive showing construction of the I-74/Winston 
        Salem Northern Beltway toward the future NC 8/Germanton Road interchange, by J. Austin Carter, November 2021Now looking southeast along the paved future Beltway towards the future interchange at NC 8 / Germanton Road.


Image of closeup view looking southeast from near Stanleyville Drive showing construction of the I-74/Winston 
        Salem Northern Beltway toward the future NC 8/Germanton Road interchange showing installed overhead sign post, by J. Austin Carter, November 2021A closer look towards the future interchange at NC 8 / Germanton Road shows an installed post for a future overhead sign, probably for the NC 66 exit.


At the future NC 8 / Germanton Road interchange


Image of NC 8 / Germanton Road bridge over future I-74 / Winston Salem 
        Northern Beltway and open roundabout on the other side, by J. Austin Carter, November 2021Looking south across the new Germanton Road bridge over the future Beltway, traffic using the new roundabout south of the bridge prior to the NC 66 intersection.


Image of roundabout along NC 8 / Germanton Road near bridge over future I-74 / Winston Salem 
        Northern Beltway, by J. Austin Carter, November 2021Looking north towards the new roundabout south of the Germanton Road bridge, being built as part of the Beltway construction.


Image of view north/west from NC 8 / Germanton Road near bridge along future I-74 / Winston Salem 
        Northern Beltway toward Stanleyville Drive, by J. Austin Carter, November 2021Looking north/west from NC 8 / Germanton Road back towards Stanleyville Drive.


Image of view south/east from NC 8 / Germanton Road near bridge along future I-74 / Winston Salem 
        Northern Beltway toward Old Hollow Road, by J. Austin Carter, November 2021Looking south/east from NC 8 / Germanton Road back towards Old Hollow Road.


From the vicinity of Merrydale Drive and Old Hollow Road

Image of I-74/Winston Salem Northern Beltway construction looking west from Merrydale Drive toward 
           new bridge for Merry Valley Lane, by J. Austin Carter, November 2021Looking west along Future I-74 from Merrydale Drive toward new bridge for Merry Valley Lane and that for Germanton Road in distance.


Image of I-74/Winston Salem Northern Beltway construction looking east from Merrydale Drive toward 
           new bridge for Old Hollow Road, by J. Austin Carter, November 2021Looking east now toward new bridge for Old Hollow Road over the Future I-74 Beltway.


Image of I-74/Winston Salem Northern Beltway construction looking east from Merrydale Drive toward 
           new bridge for Old Hollow Road, by J. Austin Carter, November 2021Looking a little closer at the Future I-74 roadbed headed toward Old Hollow Road.


Image of I-74/Winston Salem Northern Beltway from Merry Valley Lane bridge toward 
           new bridge for Old Hollow Road, by J. Austin Carter, November 2021Now looking east from new Old Hollow Road bridge over the Future I-74 Beltway.


Images from Google Maps Street View taken in September 2021

The new US 52 South lanes bridge at the Future Beltway interchange, opened in November 2021:

Image of new US 52 lanes bridge being constructed as part of I-74/Winston Salem Northern Beltway 
                                         interchange project, Google Maps Street View image, September 2021View from existing US 52 South of near completion of bridge to carry future US 52 South as part of I-74/Beltway interchange project. Lanes opened in November.


Images from Google Maps Street View taken in July and August 2021

The US 311/New Walkertown Road interchange:

Future ramp to NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway ramp blocked by traffic barrels, 
        Google Maps Street View, August 2021Future ramp to I-74 West blocked by traffic barrels with trailblazer for NC 74 East ramp opened in December 2020 on US 311 South.


US 311 bridge over NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway (Future I-74), 
        Google Maps Street View, July 2021US 311 bridge over partly opened Future I-74 Winston-Salem Northern Beltway.


South US 311 and East NC 74 trailblazers approaching ramp for NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway (Future I-74), 
        Google Maps Street View, July 2021East NC 74 and South US 311trailblazers at opened ramp to Future I-74 Winston-Salem Northern Beltway. This will also be the future end of US 311 South.


From Old Walkertown Road:

View of nearly completed bridge over Old Walkertown Road by future NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern 
        Beltway (I-74), Google Maps Street View image, August 2021View of nearly completed Future Northern Beltway/ I-74 bridge over Old Walkertown Road looking north.


Closer look at nearly completed bridge over Old Walkertown Road by future NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern 
        Beltway (I-74), Google Maps Street View image, August 2021A slightly closer look at the Old Walkertown Road bridge looking north, showing it also serves as a railroad bridge.


View under nearly completed bridge over Old Walkertown Road by future NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern 
        Beltway (I-74), Google Maps Street View image, August 2021Looking between the spans of the Old Walkertown Road/Railroad bridge, Future I-74 West to the left and East to the right.


View looking south of nearly completed bridge over Old Walkertown Road by future NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern 
        Beltway (I-74), Google Maps Street View image, August 2021Here's a view of nearly completed bridge looking south.


Closer look at the Old Walkertown Road/Railroad bridge for future NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern 
        Beltway (I-74) looking south, Google Maps Street View image, August 2021Closer look at the landscaping near the bridge at the Old Walkertown Road/Dippen Road intersection.


View east of nearly completed bridge over Old Walkertown Road by future NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern 
        Beltway (I-74), Google Maps Street View image, August 2021A closer look to the east of Old Walkertown Road showing landscaping still underway for the bridge.


Along NC 66/Old Hollow Road:

Image of rerouted NC 66/Old Hollow Road approaching bridge of future NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern 
        Beltway, Google Maps Street View image, August 2021Rerouted NC 66 near the new bridge over the future I-74/Northern Beltway. It appears they forgot to move a speed limit sign.


From the Stanleyville Drive Bridge:

Image looking west from Stanleyville Drive bridge of future NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway roadbed partially paved, Google Maps Street View image, August 2021Looking west along the Future I-74/Northern Beltway toward the NC 66/University Parkway interchange. The roadbed has been paved.


Image looking south from Stanleyville Drive bridge of future NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway roadbed partially paved, Google Maps Street View image, August 2021Looking east along the Future I-74/Northern Beltway toward the NC 8/Germanton Road interchange. The roadbed has been graded.


Image looking east from the Stanleyville Drive bridge toward NC 8 along the future NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, Google Maps Street View image, August 2021A zoomed in look east toward the NC 8 interchange.


Image looking west from the Stanleyville Drive bridge toward NC 66/University Parkway along the future NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, Google Maps Street View image, August 2021A zoomed in looking back west toward the NC 66 interchange.


Image looking across the Stanleyville Drive bridge over the future NC 74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, Google Maps Street View image, August 2021Looking across the completed Stanleyville Drive bridge.


Taken from the NCDOT Traffic Camera at the US 158 exit in September 2021:

NCDOT traffic camera image of closeup of on-ramp signage on US 158 at NC 74 (Future I-74) Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, September  2021Closeup of overhead signage at ramp to NC 74 Beltway East from US 158 West.

Taken by Val Melvin in July 2021 along US 52:

Image of construction along US 52 South from US 52 North of future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway 
        interchange, by Val Melvin. July 2021View from US 52 North of start of Winston-Salem Beltway interchange construction zone prior to NC 65 exit.


Image of construction from US 52 North of future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway 
        interchange, by Val Melvin. July 2021Construction barrels mark construction along US 52 North of start of Winston-Salem Beltway interchange prior to NC 65 exit, the blue Gas services sign for that exit remains in place.


Image of construction from US 52 North of future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway 
        interchange at NC 65 exit, by Val Melvin. July 2021As is the NC 65 exit sign prior to the new NC 65 bridge.


Image of construction on US 52 North of future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway 
        interchange at NC 65 exit, by Val Melvin. July 2021The current traffic setup with the NC 65 exit starting prior to the bridge, but the actual ramp on the other side.


Image of completed noise wall along future I-74 West ramp from Winston Salem Northern Beltway 
        to US 52 North in Rural Hall, by Val Melvin. July 2021The new noise wall has been completed north of the future Winston-Salem Beltway interchange along the ramp that will carry I-74 West to US 52 North.


Image of future I-74 West ramp to US 52 North from Winston Salem Northern Beltway 
        interchange in Rural Hall, by Val Melvin. July 2021View of US 52 North heading toward future merge with ramp carrying I-74 West from the Winston Salem Northern Beltway.


Image of construction of future I-74 West ramp to US 52 North from Winston Salem Northern Beltway 
        interchange in Rural Hall, by Val Melvin. July 2021The 1 Mile advance sign for the Westinghouse Road exit sits near the end of the future I-74 West ramp from the Winston Salem Northern Beltway to US 52 North.


Image of Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction in Rural Hall on US 52 North (Future 
        I-74 West), by Val Melvin. July 2021Looking further along US 52 towards the end of Beltway construction at the Westinghouse Road exit.


Image of future I-74 West ramp to US 52 North from Winston Salem Northern Beltway 
        interchange in Rural Hall, by Val Melvin. July 2021A close up look at the yet to be landscaped siding along US 52 approaching the Westinghouse Road at exit.


Image of future I-74 West ramp to US 52 North from Winston Salem Northern Beltway 
        interchange in Rural Hall, by Val Melvin. July 2021A closer look at what will be a temporary placed exit sign for Westinghouse Road at the end of Winston Salem Northern Beltway construction.


Heading back south on US 52

Image of start of Winston Salem Northern Beltway 
        interchange construction zone in Rural Hall on US 52 South (Future I-74 East), by Val Melvin. July 2021Concrete and construction barrels separate US 52 traffic from Winston Salem Northern Beltway construction approaching the NC 65 exit.


Image of Winston Salem Northern Beltway 
        interchange construction at NC 65 exit in Rural Hall on US 52 South (Future I-74 East), by Val Melvin. July 2021View of Winston Salem Northern Beltway construction at the NC 65 exit. The future I-74 ramp is being built to the right of US 52 South.


Image of NC 65 bridge completed as part of future Winston Salem Northern Beltway 
        ramp construction over US 52 South (Future I-74 East) in Rural Hall, by Val Melvin. July 2021Closeup of the NC 65 bridge completed as the first stage of Beltway interchange construction.


Image of future Winston Salem Northern Beltway 
        ramp construction next to US 52 South (Future I-74 East) in Rural Hall, by Val Melvin. July 2021Workers on future Beltway ramp as seen from US 52 North after NC 65 bridge.


Image of construction of future Winston Salem Northern Beltway 
        ramp from US 52 South (Future I-74 East) in Rural Hall, by Val Melvin. July 2021Closeup of the Beltway ramp construction.


Image of future ramp bridge for future Winston Salem Northern Beltway 
        ramp from US 52 South (Future I-74 East) in Rural Hall, by Val Melvin. July 2021Work proceeding on one of the Beltway interchange bridges south of NC 65.


Image of NC 65 bridge completed as part of future Winston Salem Northern Beltway 
        ramp construction over US 52 South (Future I-74 East) in Rural Hall, by Val Melvin. July 2021Closeup of the other end of the interchange ramp bridge as seen from US 52 South.


Previous Photos

NCDOT Traffic camera image shows the new signs on the US 421/Salem Parkway for the NC 74/Winston-Salem Beltway exit, now with a US 311 shield instead of US 158:

NCDOT traffic camera image of new overhead signs on US 421 for NC 74/Future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway, February 2021

And an earlier image showing the change in shields on the exit sign of NC 74 West at the US 421 interchange:

NCDOT traffic camera image of new sign for US 311 at exit for US 421 North/Salem Parkway on NC 74, Future I-74 West in Winston-Salem, January 2021

From the newly opened section between US 158 and US 311 taken by Andrew B. Futrell:

Image of overhead signs for newly opened section of NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston-Salem Northern 
        Beltway, by Andrew F. Futrell, December 2020Signage at US 158 exit with new exit sign for US 311 now uncovered after section opening.


Image of newly opened section of NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston-Salem Northern 
        Beltway under US 158 bridge, by Andrew F. Futrell, December 2020 View of newly opened section looking west from under US 158 bridge.


Image of 1-Mile advance sign for US 311 exit on newly opened section of NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston-Salem Northern 
        Beltway, by Andrew F. Futrell, December 20201-Mile advance sign for US 311 exit and VMS sign in the distance.


Image of newly opened section of NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston-Salem Northern 
        Beltway, by Andrew F. Futrell, December 2020Now 2-lane roadway heading for new US 311 exit and current end to the Beltway.


Image of overhead sign at current end of newly opened section of NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston-Salem Northern 
        Beltway, by Andrew F. Futrell, December 2020Signage at US 311 exit where all traffic must exit.


From NCDOT traffic cameras now operating between US 158 and the soon to be opened US 311 interchange:

From December 12, 2020:

NCDOT traffic camera image of roadway construction near US 158 interchange 
      on Future I-74 Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, December 2020From US 158 camera looking west, image showing near completion of concrete roadway near US 158 bridge.


From December 4, 2020:

NCDOT traffic camera image looking west from US 311 bridge over Future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway on December 4, 2020Looking west from US 311 bridge showing lane markings and sign installation needed prior to road opening by end of year.


From November 20, 2020:

NCDOT traffic camera image of nearly completed NC 74 (Future I-74) freeway at US 311 interchange, 
                                                  November 2020Traffic camera image showing roadway near completion still needing signage and lane markings.


Photos taken from segment still under construction north/west of US 311 in December 2020 by Andrew B. Futrell:

Nearly completed bridge over future Beltway lanes, by Andrew B. Futrell, December 2020Image showing roadway bridge near completion over future I-74/Northern Beltway.


Graded section of future I-74 Northern Beltway lanes, by Andrew B. Futrell, December 2020Graded section of future Beltway lanes and another nearly completed bridge.


Taken along newly opened segment between US 421/Salem Parkway and US 158 by David Johnson, September 11, 2020:

Image of newly uncovered 2 miles advance sign for NC 74 West Winston Salem Northern Beltway on US 421 North, by David Johnson September 2020Uncovered 2 Miles advance sign for NC 74 West (Future I-74 West) on US 421 North Salem Parkway (apparently Exit 227 is 2 miles from 224).


Image of newly uncovered 1-mile advance overhead sign for NC 74 West Winston Salem Northern Beltway on US 421 North Salem Parkway, by David Johnson September 2020The newly uncovered 1-Mile advance overhead for the opened NC 74 West/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway exit.


Image of uncovered overhead exit sign for newly opened NC 74 West Winston Salem Northern Beltway on US 421 North, by David Johnson September 2020The uncovered overhead exit sign along US 421 North/Salem Parkway with room to the left for a future I-74 East sign.


Image of newly opened two-lane ramp from US 421 North Salem Parkway to NC 74 West Winston Salem Northern Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020Driving along the two-lane ramp from US 421 toward the newly opened Beltway.


Image of lanes on ramp from US 421 North merging onto newly opened Winston Salem Northern Beltway Lanes, by David Johnson September 2020Noise walls parallel the right shoulder of the ramp from US 421 North as it merges with the completed Beltway lanes.


Image of newly opened NC 74 West Winston Salem Northern Beltway lanes at end of ramps from US 421/Salem Parkway, by David Johnson September 2020Lanes from both North and South US 421 about to merge onto Northern Beltway future I-74 West lanes.


Image of completed lanes on NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston Salem Northern Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020After merging onto NC 74 West. The extreme left lane apparently will not open until more of the Beltway is completed.


Image of first overhead sign gantry with 1 3/4 mile advance sign for US 158 on NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston Salem Northern Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020First overhead sign gantry heading west, this has a 1 3/4 Miles advance sign for US 158.


Image of view of distant mountains from newly opened NC 74 (Future I-74) West lanes of Winston Salem Northern Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020View along new section of Beltway includes mountains in the distance along with much closer temporary mile marker.


Image of only West NC 74 reassurance marker on newly opened section of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020The only current West NC 74 reassurance marker along the opened section of the Beltway.


Image of NC 74(Future I-74) West Winston Salem Northern Beltway lanes approaching US 158 exit, by David Johnson September 2020View heading further northwest toward the US 158 exit.


Image of 1/2 Mile advance overhead sign for US 158 exit on NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston Salem Northern Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020The 1/2 mile advance overhead sign for the US 158 exit with the All Traffic Exit banner.


Image of overhead exit signage at current end of NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston Salem Northern Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020Overhead signage at the current western end of the Northern Beltway, the covered over US 311 exit sign already has its own All Traffic Exit banner, for the end of the year.


Image of gore signage at start of ramp from NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston Salem Northern Beltway to US 158, by David Johnson September 2020 Taking the ramp to US 158 at the current end of the Beltway. Another temporary mile marker has been put up, for Mile 51, apparently NCDOT is not rounding up the number for this exit.


Image of overhead guide signs at the end of the ramp from NC 74 (Future I-74) West Winston Salem Northern Beltway to US 158, by David Johnson September 2020Overhead signage at the end of the ramp to US 158, only one arrow for North US 158.


Image of overhead guide signs at ramp from US 158 West to NC 74 (Future I-74) East Winston Salem Northern Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020Overhead signage at the NC 74 West ramp on US 158 West, a bigger sign will replace the NC 74 sign when I-74 is routed on the Beltway.


Northern Beltway Eastern Section Construction Photos, 2016-2020 (Hover over for larger images)

US 421 to US 158

Latest Photos taken by David Johnson, September 3, 2020:

Along the soon to be opened section between US 421/Salem Parkway and US 158:

Image of current end of NC 74 West Winston Salem Northern Beltway at US 158, by David Johnson September 2020Looking west from Walkertown Guthrie Road bridge toward soon to open temporary end of NC 74 Winston-Salem Beltway at US 158.


Image looking west along soon to be opened section of NC 74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway toward 
        US 421/Salem Parkway, by David Johnson September 2020Looking east from the bridge along NC 74 and first overhead sign for US 421.


Image of closeup of signage at current western end of NC 74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway at US 158 from Walkertown Guthrie Road bridge, by David Johnson September 2020A zoomed image of the overhead signage at the current western end of the Beltway at US 158, notice the covered sign also includes an All Traffic Exit banner for the next segment of roadway.


Image of ramp from NC 74 Winston-Salem Northern Beltway to US 421/Salem Parkway, by David Johnson September 2020Looking west to nearly complete C/D ramps along NC 74 East for the US 421/Salem Parkway interchange.


Image of US 421 interchange with NC 74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway prior to opening, by David Johnson September 2020Looking northwest from current stub at eastern end of the current Beltway toward the soon to open interchange between NC 74 and US 421.


Image of overhead signs at soon to open interchange between NC 74 West/Winston Salem Northern Beltway and US 421 Salem Parkway, by David Johnson, September 2020Closer view of overhead signage at beginning of NC 74 West at exit to US 421 North. The pull through is West NC 74 to East US 158.


Image of noise wall along soon to open ramp from US 421/Salem Parkway to 
      NC 74 West Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020Noise walls border soon to open ramp from NC 74 East to US 421 South Salem Parkway.


Image showing panorama of interchange of US 421 Salem Parkway with NC 74 Winston Salem 
      Northern Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020A panoramic shot of the soon open interchange between NC 74 and US 421.


Along US 158 West:

Image of US 158 West traffic restricted to one lane approaching soon to open interchange with NC 74 Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020Traffic restricted to one lane approaching soon to open interchange.


Image of recently placed Junction NC 74 trailblazer on US 158 West approaching soon to open interchange with Winston Salem Northern Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020A Junction NC 74 trailblazer approaching the interchange which will probably stay in place for the next 5 years.


Image of newly installed traffic signals along US 158 at soon to open interchange with NC 74 Winston
        Salem Northern Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020New traffic signals on flash mode awaiting the opening of the Beltway/US 158 interchange.


Image of overhead signage on US 158 West at soon to open ramp to NC 74 East Winston Salem Northern Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020Overhead signage at the future ramp to NC 74 East. There is room for a much large ramp sign when I-74 is completed.


Image of view of completed ramp from Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
      to US 158, by David Johnson September 2020Looking across US 158 East at ready to open ramp from NC 74 West.


Image of NC 74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway still under construction looking west from US 158 
        bridge, by David Johnson September 2020Looking northwest beyond US 158 bridge showing section still under construction headed towards US 311.


From US 421/Salem Parkway:

Image of nearly complete signage and ramp from US 421 South Salem Parkway to NC 74 West Winston 
        Salem Northern Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020Overhead signage in place, though covered over, on US 421 South awaiting opening of ramp to NC 74 West.


Image of noise wall along future ramp from US 421 South Salem Parkway to
      NC 74 West Winston Salem Northern Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020Noise wall along future ramp to NC 74 West from US 421 South Salem Parkway.


Image of overhead signage covered over prior to opening of ramp to US 421 South Salem Parkway to NC 74 East Winston Salem Northern Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020Overhead signs on US 421 South approaching the Beltway bridge and soon to be opened ramp to NC 74 East. Why is exit tab for Kernersville Road covered up?


Image of covered overhead ramp sign on US 421 North Salem Parkway at soon to be opened NC 74 East Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020Now on US 421/Salem Parkway heading north/west, the covered up overhead and gore signs at the soon to be opened ramp to NC 74 West.


Between US 158 and US 311, taken by David Johnson, September 11, 2020:

Image of Future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway under construction from Williston Court, by David Johnson September 2020Panoramic shot looking at the Future I-74 Beltway being constructed west of US 158 from Williston Court.


Image of Future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway under construction looking west from Williston
        Road bridge, by David Johnson September 2020Looking west toward US 311 interchange along Future I-74 Beltway from Williston Road bridge.


Image of Future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway under construction looking west from Williston
        Road bridge, by David Johnson September 2020A closer look at the US 311 interchange from the Williston Road bridge.


Image of VMS sign being constructed along Future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway
        looking east from Williston Road bridge, by David Johnson September 2020Another view from Williston Road Bridge, a new VMS being put up heading east on Future I-74.


Image of Future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway under construction looking west from Williston
        Road bridge, by David Johnson September 2020Another view looking west toward US 311 interchange along Future I-74 Beltway from the middle of the Williston Road bridge.


Between US 311 and Baux Mountain Road:

Image looking east from future US 311 bridge over I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway looking east, by David Johnson September 2020Looking east from near the completed US 311 bridge back toward Williston Road bridge.


Image looking west from future US 311 bridge over I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway looking east, by David Johnson September 2020Now looking west from US 311 bridge toward bridge being built for Dippen Road.


Image looking east from future US 311 bridge over I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway looking east, by David Johnson September 2020Now looking back east from US 311 bridge along the Future I-74 roadway.


Image looking at new Dippen Road bridge under I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway looking east, by David Johnson September 2020Now looking west along Dippen Road following the Future I-74 roadway.


Image looking at new Dippen Road bridge under I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway looking east, by David Johnson September 2020Further west along Dippen Road following the Future I-74 roadbed being graded.


Image looking at new Dippen Road bridge under I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway looking east, by David Johnson September 2020Closer look along Dippen Road at the Future I-74 roadbed being graded.


Image looking at Phelps Drive at future bridge for I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway 
        looking west, by David Johnson September 2020View along Phelps Drive at site of Future I-74 bridge.


Image looking east at Phelps Drive at future bridge for I-74 Winston Salem Northern 
        Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020View along Phelps Drive looking east at site of Future I-74 roadway.


Image looking again west at Phelps Drive at future bridge for I-74 Winston Salem Northern 
        Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020Now on Phelps Drive looking west at grading work continuing on site of Future I-74 Beltway.


Baux Mountain Parkway to NC 8/Germanton Road:

Image looking along NC 66 at future bridge over I-74 Winston Salem Northern 
        Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020Now on NC 66/Old Hollow Road looking future bridge over Future I-74 Beltway.


NC 8/Germanton Road to NC 66 University Parkway:

Image looking west along NC 66 Old Hollow Road at construction for I-74 Winston Salem Northern 
        Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020View looking west from NC 66/Old Hollow Road at clearing and grading for Future I-74 ramp and roadway. Pilot Mountain can be seen in the distance.


Image looking west along NC 66 Old Hollow Road at construction for I-74 Winston Salem Northern 
        Beltway, by David Johnson September 2020Another look west from NC 66/Old Hollow Road at construction equipment clearing and grading for Future I-74 ramp and roadway.



Photos taken on February 7, 2020 by Site Contributor, J. Austin Carter:

Starting in the area of the future US 311 interchange and heading east (south):

Image of graded roadbed for future I-74 Winston-Salem Northern Beltway in vicinity of US 311 
        interchange, by J. Austin Carter in Feb. 2020Future I-74 roadbed being graded in vicinity of US 311.


Image of future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway roadbed north/west of 
      US 311, by J. Austin Carter, Feb. 2020Looking along Future I-74 / Winston-Salem Beltway roadbed heading (north)west from US 311.


Image of future US 311 bridge being constructed over Future 
        I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by J. Austin Carter in Feb. 2020New US 311 bridge being constructed over Future I-74 lanes.


Image of future on-ramp to I-74 East/Winston-Salem Beltway from
        US 311, by J. Austin Carter in Feb. 2020Looking down future ramp from US 311 to I-74 East which appears to have been recently paved.


Image of road construction in vicinity of future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway, by J. Austin 
        Carter in Feb. 2020US 311 in vicinity of its future interchange with the I-74 Beltway.


Image of end of off-ramp to US 311 from Future I-74 East/Winston-Salem Beltway, by J. Austin 
        Carter in Feb. 2020End of future off-ramp to US 311 from I-74 East.


Image of construction of future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway looking southeast from
        US 311 toward US 158, by J. Austin Carter in Feb. 2020View looking south/east from US 311 along the Future I-74 Beltway toward US 158.


Image of road construction of future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway looking west toward
        Old Walkertown Road, by J. Austin Carter in Feb. 2020View from US 311 looking along Future I-74 West.


Image of road construction in vicinity of Dillon Farm Road looking west along roadbed of 
        future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway toward US 311, by J. Austin Carter in Feb. 2020Now looking northwest toward Future US 311 interchange with the I-74 Beltway showing future westbound lanes paved.


Image of completion of new Dillon Farm Road bridge over future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway, by J. Austin 
        Carter in Feb. 2020New Dillon Farm Road bridge being built over the Future I-74 Beltway.


Image of on-ramp from US 158 to future I-74 East/Winston-Salem Beltway with temporary
        concrete plant in middle of interchange, by J. Austin Carter in Feb. 2020Future on-ramp from US 158 to I-74 East with concrete plant currently in the middle of the interchange.


Image of newly paved on-ramp from US 158 to Future I-74 East/Winston-Salem Beltway, by 
        J. Austin Carter in Feb. 2020Future on-ramp from US 158 to East I-74 now paved.


Image of new overhead guide signs at end of ramp to US 158 from Future West I-74/
        Winston-Salem Beltway, by J. Austin Carter in Feb. 2020Looking across to off-ramp to US 158 from Future I-74 West showing the installation of overhead guide signs at the end of the ramp.


Image of construction in vicinity of Future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway at US 158
        interchange, by J. Austin Carter in Feb. 2020Looking north across Future I-74 Beltway lanes towards US 158 showing overhead gantry ready for signage.


Image of new overhead signage at end of ramp to US 158 from Future I-74 West/
        Winston-Salem Beltway, by J. Austin Carter in Feb. 2020Closer look at new overhead signage at end of future ramp from I-74 West to US 158. Looks like the sign on the right is missing an arrow.


Image of future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway beyond US 158 heading northwest from
        Old Belews Creek Road, by J. Austin Carter in Feb. 2020View looking west beyond US 158 along future route the I-74 Beltway from Old Belews Creek Road.


Image of new overhead signs being placed along future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway for 
        US 421 and US 158 exits from Old Belews Creek Road bridge, by J. Austin Carter in Feb. 2020Looking along Future I-74 East from Old Belews Creek Road bridge showing newly placed overhead sign for US 421 exit (and back of sign for US 158 exit westbound).


Image newly placed overhead exit ramp sign for US 158 on Future I-74 West/
        Winston-Salem Beltway, by J. Austin Carter in Feb. 2020Looking west from Old Belews Creek Road bridge toward newly placed overhead sign for US 158 exit and tab for all traffic exit above.


Image of new ramp signage installed for US 421 in vicinity of West Mountain Street 
        along Future I-74 East/Winston-Salem Beltway, by J. Austin Carter in Feb. 2020Looking south toward US 421/Salem Parkway interchange with overhead exit and ramp signs installed.


Image of overhead signage for US 158 exit in vicinity of West Mountain Street bridge with Future 
        I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway, by J. Austin Carter in Feb. 2020The first advance sign for the US 158 exit on Future I-74 West will be at the 1 3/4 miles, seen from the vicinity of West Mountain Street.


Image of overhead 1 1/4 mile advance sign for US 158 exit on Future I-74 West/
        Winston-Salem Beltway, by J. Austin Carter in Feb. 2020The next advance sign for US 158 is for 1 1/4 miles. The empty bracket to the right I assume is for a right lane ends advisory sign.


Earlier photos taken on July 1, 2019 by Site Contributor, J. Austin Carter:

Image of traffic traveling under ramp to NC 66 from US 52 South on US 52 North, the site of the future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange, by J. Austin CarterTraffic on US 52 North heading under bridge carrying ramp from US 52 South to NC 66, the construction signs in the distance for project upgrading US 52 for future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange.


Image of future Winston-Salem Beltway construction in vicinity to exit ramp to NC 65 from US 52 North, by J. Austin CarterUS 52 North at exit ramp to NC 65 work on Future Winston-Salem Beltway interchange in distance that includes new NC 65 bridge being constructed behind old one across both lanes of traffic.


Image of construction of future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway along US 52 North beyond NC 65 exit, by J. Austin CarterWork for future ramps for the I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange along US 52 North beyond the NC 65 exit.


Image of construction of ramps for future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway interchange with US 52 North before Westinghouse Road interchange, by J. Austin CarterFuture ramps from the Winston-Salem Northern beltway intersecting US 52 North around the 1-Mile advance sign for the Westinghouse Road exit.


Image of US 52 South/Future I-74 East approaching Winston-Salem Beltway interchange consruction area, by J. Austin CarterNow heading south on US 52 (Future I-74 East) looking toward the Northern Beltway interchange work zone after the NC 65 exit.


Image of Winston-Salem Beltway interchange construction from US 52 South/Future I-74 East prior to NC 65 exit, by J. Austin CarterCloser view of the start of the construction area which involves moving the NC 65 exit ramp for US 52 South.


Image of newly placed guardrail for new off-ramp to NC 65 from US 52 South/Future I-74 East in Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project work zone, by J. Austin CarterLooking towards the new lane for moved NC 65 exit and newly installed guardrail behind orange construction barrels.


Image of new exit ramp for NC 65 interchanges on US 52/Future I-74 East in Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction zone, by J. Austin CarterWhile the new ramp to NC 65 is open, landscaping work continues along the roadway.


Image of closed former ramp to NC 65 from US 52 South/Future I-74 East in Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project work zone, by J. Austin CarterFormer NC 65 exit ramp blocked off by temporary barriers prior to new NC 65 bridge over US 52.


Image of 1/4 mile advance sign for NC 66 exit in front of new bridge being built as part of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange on US 52 South/Future I-74 East, by J. Austin CarterA 1/4 mile advance sign for the left NC 66 exit sits before new longer and wider NC 65 bridge nearing completion over US 52/Future I-74. (The NC 66 ramp is the approximate location the future Beltway will cross US 52).


Earlier Photos taken on April 21, 2019 by Site Contributor, J. Austin Carter:

Image of traffic on US 158 West using new bridge over Future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by J. Austin CarterUS 158 traffic using new bridge over Future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway.


Image showing completed I-74 concrete roadbed for Future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway south of US 158 bridge, by J. Austin CarterLooking south from US 158 bridge along future I-74/Beltway concrete roadbed. Work has started on landscaping along the sides of the roadway.


Image of view from US 158 bridge east at progress constructing Future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway Segment to US 311, by J. Austin CarterFurther along the US 158 bridge looking east showing progress in completing Future I-74 roadbed.


Image of view toward Walkertown-Guthrie Road bridge looking east/south along Future I-74/Winston-Salem 
      Northern Beltway from US 158 bridge, by J. Austin CarterNow looking directly east/south from US 158 bridge towards Walkertown Guthrie Road with Business 40/US 421 interchange beyond.


Image of Future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway roadbed north of US 158 bridge, by J. Austin CarterLooking at under construction roadbed north of US 158 bridge, this section still not paved.


Image of future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway heading west toward future US 158 interchange, by J. Austin CarterA look north/west toward the future US 158 interchange and beyond from Walkertown Guthrie Road bridge.


Image of Future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway lanes in vicinity of Walkertown Guthrie bridge, by J. Austin CarterLooking south/east along future Beltway lanes from Walkertown Guthrie Road bridge.


Image of view looking west along future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway lanes from 
        east of Walkertown-Guthrie Road bridge, by J. Austin CarterLooking west/north from Walkertown Guthrie Road bridge along future I-74 roadway back to US 158.


Image of concrete roadbed of future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway in vicinity of Morris Road, by J. Austin CarterGoing further east, looking north/west back toward Walkertown Guthrie Road bridge.


Image of built up landscape for Future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway roadbed north of Business 40/US 421, by J. Austin CarterNow looking south toward the future Business 40/US 421 interchange showing the built up ground for future Beltway lanes.


Image of graded lanes for Future I-74 West/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway near the Business 40/US 421 interchange, by J. Austin CarterLooking north/west along built up graded roadbed for future I-74 lanes leading up hill from Business 40/US 421.


Image showing view from hill with graded lanes for Future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway looking over future Bus. 40/US 421 interchange, by J. Austin CarterLooking from top of hill south and east back over future Business 40/US 421 interchange.


Image of view of graded Future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway lanes near future Bus. 40/US 421 interchange, by J. Austin CarterAnother view looking down at the future Beltway interchange showing future flyover ramps to current Business 40 East, Future US 421/Salem Parkway South.


Earlier photos taken on December 13, 2018 by Site Contributor, J. Austin Carter:

Business 40 to US 158 Segment:

Image of flyover ramp for Future I-74/Winston Salem Northern Beltway under construction over 
        Business 40 freeway east of Winston-Salem, by J. Austin CarterTaken after a December snowstorm, the view from Business 40 East (Future US 421 Salem Parkway) of flyover ramp for I-74/Beltway interchange with bridges to carry I-74 over the highway in the distance.


Image of highway under construction for Future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway north of flyover bridge over Business 40 East, by J. Austin CarterLooking north at roadway under construction to connect to flyover ramp over Business 40 East.


Image looking south of Business 40 East lanes at roadway under construction to connect interchange with Future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by J. Austin CarterNow looking south at ramp under construction to connect flyover bridge to Future I-74 lanes.


Image of closeup view of ramp bridge under construction over Business 40 East lanes for I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by J. Austin CarterCloser look at ramp bridge over Business 40 East. Appears to be still significant work to do, one of the reasons the opening has been pushed back to the end of next year instead of April 2019.


Image of new bridges to carry Future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway lanes over Business 40 East, by J. Austin CarterClose view of I-74 bridges over Business 40 East, as with the flyover ramp, there's still a lot of work to do here also to complete the bridges.


Image of construction of Future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway north of future interchange with Business 40/US 421, by J. Austin CarterLooking across the Business 40/US 421 West lanes toward the future I-74/Beltway still under construction. A noise wall is going up along the future ramp to I-74 West.


Image of Future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway lanes being constructed north of Business 40, by J. Austin CarterAnother look at the interchange construction area from across Business 40.


Image of noise wall being built along future ramp from I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway to Business 40 East, by J. Austin CarterA noise wall is being constructed along the future ramp from I-74 to East Business 40.


Image of future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway roadbed being constructed in the vicinity of E. Mountain St., by J. Austin CarterMoving north to the vicinity of E. Mountain Street, the roadbed for I-74 is being built up to meet the existing bridge.


Image of future I-74/Winston-Salem roadbed in vicinity of E. Mountain St., by J. Austin CarterLooking east at the built up roadbed in the vicinity of E. Mountain Street.


Image looking east toward Business 40/US 421 from lanes being constructed for Interstate 74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway near E. Mountain St. bridge, by J. Austin CarterLooking further east back toward the Business 40/US 421 interchange area.


Image of view west from Walkertown-Guthrie Road along future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway right-of-way, by J. Austin CarterNow further north, looking west from Walkertown-Guthrie Road bridge towards the future US 158 interchange.


Image looking east from Walkertown-Guthrie Rd bridge along path of Future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by J. Austin Carter Now looking east from the same spot back toward Business 40/US 421.


Image looking west toward US 158 from Walkertown-Guthrie bridge over Future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by J. Austin CarterLooking back west toward US 158 at another angle showing completed US 158 bridge and work started on the next section to US 311 beyond.


Image looking east from Walkertown-Guthrie bridge over Future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by J. Austin CarterbLooking at another angle to the east, a noise wall under construction can be seen after the curve in the distance.


Image of Future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway under construction to the east of US 158, by J. Austin CarterLooking to the east from the completed US 158 bridge back toward Walkertown-Guthrie Road.


Image of sign dedicating new US 158 bridge to Officer Stephen Levi Amos II over Future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by J. Austin CarterSign on US 158 bridge heading east indicating dedicated to Officer Stephen Levi Amos II.


US 158 to US 311 Section:

Image looking west from Williston Rd bridge over new section of Future I-74/Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway under construction, by J. Austin CarterLooking west from Williston Road near site of future bridge over the Beltway, looking towards US 311.


Image of future Williston Rd bridge over I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway under construction, by J. Austin CarterLooking east from current Williston Road over future bridge under construction over I-74/Beltway lanes.


Image looking west along Future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway from site of Williston Rd bridge under construction, by J. Austin CarterAnother view west from site of new Williston Road bridge under construction. Road in distance is US 311.


View east on Future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway over future Williston Rd bridge under construction, by J. Austin CarterLooking east again, over the frame of the future Williston Road bridge to the I-74/Beltway lanes under construction.


Previous Photos taken on April 1, 2018 by Site Contributor, J. Austin Carter:

Image of construction progress of the Winston-Salem Borthern Beltway near the future interchange with Bus. 40/US 421, by J. Austin CarterLooking south toward the future interchange with Business 40/US 421 showing little progress in grading the roadway but construction proceeding on a flyover ramp for the Beltway exit.


Image showing a closer view of future flyover ramp from Winston-Salem Beltway to Bus. 40/US 421, by J. Austin CarterA closer view of the new flyover ramp at the future Business 40/US 421 interchange beyond the US 421 roadway.


View looking toward W. Mountain Rd at southern end of Winston-Salem Beltway construction progress showing lack of grading progress, by J. Austin CarterLooking north or west along the future Beltway alignment toward West Mountain Street showing lack or progress in grading this part of the roadway.


Image of completed Winston-Salem Beltway bridge over W. Mountain St, by J. Austin CarterView of the Beltway bridge over West Mountain Street, which appears to be mostly complete, except for final grading.


Image of nearly completed Winston-Salem Beltway roadbed from completed bridge carrrying Walkertown-Guthrie Rd over the Beltway, by J. Austin CarterView of concrete Beltway roadbed from completed Walkertown Guthrie Road bridge.


Image of completed Winston-Salem Beltway roadbed looking east/south toward W. Mountain St, by J. Austin CarterLooking south or east along the Beltway from the Walkertown Guthrie Road Bridge showing progress in grading along the roadbed completed the year before.


Image looking toward the future US 158 interchange from Walkertown Guthrie Bridge along path of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by J. Austin CarterLooking north/west toward the future US 158 interchange from Walkertown Guthrie Bridge showing progress in extending the concrete roadbed toward the exit, some landscaping and on US 158 itself the construction of bridges to take the final alignment of the highway over I-74.


Previous Photos taken on October 11, 2017 by Site Contributor, J. Austin Carter:

Image of pavement progress along Future I-74/Winston-Salem Norther Beltway from Walkertown Guthrie Rd bridge looking west toward
       US 158, by J. Austin CarterLooking northwest toward US 158 from completed Walkertown-Guthrie Road bridge over Future I-74. There has been significant progress with placement of the concrete road bed.


Image of closer look at concrete road deck of Future I-74 looking northwest from Walkertown Guthrie Rd bridge toward US 158, by J. Austin CarterA closer look at the new concrete roadbed for Future I-74 from Walkertown Guthrie Road looking towards the future US 158 interchange.


Image of view looking southeast from Walkertown Guthrie Rd bridge along recently concrete line future I-74 roadway, by J. Austin CarterLooking now southeast from the completed Walkertown Guthrie bridge along I-74 roadway headed toward Business 40 showing progress in completing road surface.


Image taken just north of Future I-74/W-S Beltway interchange with Business 40/US 421 looking toward bridge over Mountain View Rd, by J. Austin CarterTraveling south to near Business 40, view looking northwest toward bridge under construction over Mountain View Rd.


View of graded future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway roadbed approaching bridge over Mountain View Rd, by J. Austin CarterCloser look at progress grading Future I-74 Roadbed heading northwest toward bridge over Mountain View Road.


Image taken of area under construction for Future I-74 Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange with Bus. 40/US 421, by J. Austin CarterLooking south toward Business 40/US 421 showing grading underway for Future I-74/Beltway interchange.


Earlier Photos taken on April 13, 2017 by J. Austin Carter:

Image taken of paved I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway lanes just south of US 158, by J. Austin CarterView of paved Future I-74/Beltway lanes just south of US 158.


Image of view looking north across US 158 interchange construction area with Future 
        I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway, by J. Austin CarterLooking north toward US 158 across the future interchange construction zone, including the temporary concrete plant between the original and current US 158 alignment.


Image of view from completed Walkertown Guthrie Rd bridge over paved lanes for the Future
        I-74 Winston-Salem Beltway, by J. Austin CarterView southeast from completed Walkertown Guthrie Bridge over now paved Future I-74 East lanes.


Image taken of view looking north over Future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway lanes toward 
        West Mountain St bridge, by J. Austin CarterNow looking north along graded Future I-74 lanes toward the nearly completed West Mountain Street and Railroad Bridge (photos of bridge below).


Image taken of view looking at southern end of I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway project and Future 
        interchange with Business 40/US 421/NC 150, by J. Austin CarterView looking south toward Future I-74/Business 40 (US 421 Salem Parkway) and progress in constructing the interchange (photos from Business 40 below).


Recent Photos taken on March 30, 2017:

Image of view approaching Beltway construction zone on Bus. 40/US 421 West in Winston-SalemLooking west Business 40/US 421/NC 150 entering the Winston-Salem Beltway construction zone.


Image of view along Bus. 40/US 421 West in Winston-Salem of clearing at site of future interchange with I-74/Winston-Salem BeltwayApproaching site of future I-74/Beltway interchange with Business 40 showing clearing and early structure construction.


Image of view showing construction of future Beltway/I-74 bridges over Bus. 40/US 421 in Winsto-SalemStill continuing west and approaching the grading to support future I-74/Beltway Bridges over Bus. 40/US 421/NC 150.


Image of closer look at bridge construction for Future I-74/Beltway interchange with Bus. 40/US 421 in Winston-SalemA closer look at construction going on to the south of the Eastbound lanes on Bus. 40/US 421/NC 150.


Image of view looking north along future alignment of I-74/Beltway showing bridge supports under constructionLooking north from Bus. 40/US 421/NC 150 along Future I-74/Beltway alignment showing construction of support structures for future bridges.


Image showing dirt being moved for construction of Future I-74/Beltway interchange with Bus. 40/US 421 in Winston-SalemA closer look at the buildup of soil for the future crossing of I-74 West then I-74 East lanes over Business 40/US 421 and NC 150.


Image of view looking East along Bus. 40/US 421 at I-74/Beltway interchange construction in Winston-SalemHeading now east on Bus. 40/US 421/NC 150 approaching the I-74/Beltway construction zone.


View looking across Bus. 40/US 421 at construction crane at site of Future I-74/Beltway interchange in Winston-SalemLooking northwest over Bus. 40/US 421/NC 150 at construction crane at site of future I-74 bridges.


Image of view of new I-74/Beltway bridges being built over W. Mountain St. in Winston-SalemNow further north, heading east on West Mountain Street approaching bridges being built to carry I-74/Beltway traffic over the roadway and railroad tracks.


Image of view looking west at bridge for I-74/Beltway being built over W. Mountain St. in Winston-SalemNow on the east side of the bridge looking back from church parking lot on the old alignment of West Mountain Street, showing support structures for bridges largely in place.


Image of view south of W. Mountain St. showing progress of I-74/Beltway construction in Winston-SalemLooking across both old and new alignments of West Mountain Street showing construction to complete grading of the I-74 lanes going on south of the bridges.


Image of view along railroad tracks of new bridge being constructed for I-74/Beltway over W. Mountain St. in Winston-SalemLooking west down railroad tracks showing bridge crossing both the tracks and the new alignment of West Mountain Street.


Image showing closer look of northern end of I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway bridge being constructed over W. Mountain St. in Winston-SalemA closer look at the northern end of the bridge above what was the old alignment of West Mountain Street and showing further fill is needed before lanes can be paved to meet the bridge structure.


Image of view looking west along US 158 at site of Future I-74/Beltway interchange in Winston-SalemNow at the northern end of the project, looking west along US 158 approaching the interchange construction area. US 158 traffic has been realigned to the south through the work zone.


Image of view looking west along US 158 through I-74/Beltway interchange construction zone in Winston-SalemFurther west on US 158 in construction area showing work has largely been completed in creating elevated areas for Future I-74 bridges.


Image of construction to north of US 158 in I-74/Beltway construction zone in Winston-SalemLooking north of US 158 in the construction zone showing future ramp concrete structures covered over by tarps.


Image of view looking east on US 158 of construction zone for Future I-74/Beltway interchange in Winston-SalemNow heading back east on US 158 looking down the hill to the Beltway interchange construction area showing how US 158 has been re-routed around the work zone.


Image of view of temporary concrete plant built in construction zone for Future I-74/Beltway interchange in Winston-SalemLooking from south of US 158 at temporary concrete plant built in the future interchange work zone.


Image of view looking south along future alignment of I-74/Beltway at US 158 interchange construction zone in Winston-SalemLooking south from US 158 over the alignment of I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway showing grading being completed.


Image of view looking at temporary concrete plant and construction at Future I-74/Beltway interchange with US 158 in Winston-SalemAnother view of the temporary concrete plant just east of the future I-74/Beltway lanes being graded south of US 158.


Here are a few photos of construction progress on the first segment of the Beltway taken by J. Austin Carter on August 27, 2016:

Image of road closed barrier placed on residential street due to construction of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by J. Austin Carter

One of the many road closed barriers placed along residential streets along the corridor of the Northern Beltway due to the road's construction.



Image of clearing and grading being done along future path of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway/I-74, by J. Austin CarterFuture Beltway section being graded between Business 40 and US 158.


Image of contructed and graded future roadbed for Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, I-74, by J. Austin CarterPart of newly constructed part of Beltway showing built-up roadway.


Image of new bridge being constructed for Winston-Salem Northern Beltway/I-74, taken by J. Austin CarterFrom West Mountain Street portion of new bridge being constructed for Beltway near temporary cement plant.


Image of clearing of land near US 158 for future interchange with Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, taken by J. Austin CarterLooking at massive clearing and earth moving being done at site of future interchange between the Beltway and US 158, seen in the distance.


Image of bridge construction along path of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway/I-74, taken by J. Austin CarterFuture bridge being constructed along path of Northern Beltway.


Image of land being graded for future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway/I-74 east of the city, taken by J. Austin CarterView from bridge under construction shows the amount of earth moving being done along the I-74/Beltway corridor south of US 158.


Image of bridge deck under construction over future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway/I-74, taken by J. Austin CarterCloser look at same bridge showing deck under construction over future Northern Beltway/I-74 near US 158.


Image showing grading of future Winston Salem Northern Beltway/I-74 east of city, taken by J. Austin CarterAnother scene of grading for future Beltway lanes east of Winston-Salem, here the future eastbound lanes are further along than the west.


Image of Beltway construction going on between houses east of Winston-Salem, by J. Austin CarterBeltway construction being threaded between houses, seen in the middle and right.


Image of close view of construction at site of future US 158 interchange on Winston-Salem Northern Beltway/I-74, taken by J. Austin CarterA closer view of construction at the northern end of the project for the future interchange with US 158.


Here are a few more photos of construction progress on the first segment of the Beltway taken by J. Austin Carter on April 19, 2016:

Image of clearing for new Northern Beltway/I-74 interchange with Business 40/US 421, by J. Austin CarterLooking along West Business 40 showing clearing progress for future Beltway interchange.

Image of construction work clearing area for new interchange between Beltway/I-74 and Business 40/US 421, 
      by J. Austin CarterLooking at construction crews working just north of Business 40 on Future Northern Beltway interchange.

Image of clearing for Northern Beltway across Business 40 to the south, by J. Austin CarterLooking across Business 40 to view clearing for the interchange going on to the south.

Image of bridge support and culvert pipes being placed north of Bus. 40 for new Northern Beltway/I-40 interchange, by J. Austin CarterWork is seen progressing in building future bridge supports and concrete pipes are ready for placing for site drainage.

Image of clearing of path seen for Northern Beltway toward US 158 from Bus. 40/US 421, by J. Austin CarterLooking further north showing cleared corridor for I-74/Northern Beltway's path toward US 158.

Here's some previous photos taken by J. Austin Carter on December 14, 2015:

Image of I-74 Winston-Salem Beltway cosntruction from Business 40, 
            photo by J. Austin Carter

Image of construction zone for I-74 Winston-Salem Beltway as seen from Business 40, 
            photo by J. Austin Carter

Image of I-74 Winston-Salem Beltway construction zone from Business 40, photo by 
            J. Austin Carter

Image of I-74 Winston-Salem Beltway construction zone from Business 40, photo by 
            J. Austin Carter

NEW-Dashcam video of construction at southern end of Beltway at I-74 by Tarheel Travels:

Video posted March 23

Dashcam Video along US 52 showing Beltway construction progress from TJElevator fan:

Video posted March 16

Beltway Construction Videos by Tar Heel Dashcam (December 2023)  

Construction along and between I-40 and I-74

Traveling NC 74 West, including new section between NC 66 and US 52

Eastern Section Videos by RoadwayWiz (12/27/21)   Image of roadwaywiz logo

NC 74 West, from US 421 to US 311

NC 74 East, from US 311 to US 421

Eastern Section Signage Plans (Updated 8/28/23)

NCDOT plans to build the Eastern Half of the Northern Beltway in 7 segments. The latest segment to have plans released is for the section from I-40 to the I-74 'US 311' Freeway, a contract let in October 2022. The plans indicated new exit numbers for US 52 (though not to be signed as I-74 quite yet), see I-74 Segment 3, and also for the exit off of I-77, see I-74 Segment 1. They also posted previous sign plans for the Beltway itself and for new exit numbers for the Future NC 192 freeway, now part of I-74 Segment 5. Here are a few examples of plans showing the changing of NC 74 to I-74 when the project is completed in 2026:



Image of plan for overlay sign at ramp from US 158 West 
                  to Future I-74 East, Winston-Salem Northern Beltway


The current NC 74 related signage at ramps, such as this on US 158 West, will have East (or West) I-74 signs installed.

Image of NCDOT plan for signage approaching Future I-74 Winston-Salem Northern 
          Beltway on US 52 North in Rural Hall,  NCDOT August 2022Plan of signage for US 52 North for Beltway exit prior to the signing of I-74 on it.


Signs to be placed along US 52 North at the Beltway interchange prior to I-74 being signed along it in 2026. Note the exit number on US 52, 117, the next exit NC 65 is Exit 118.

Image of plan of updated sigange along US 421 South for Future I-74/Winston-Salem 
        Northern Beltway exits, NCDOT 2022Current and replacement signage along US 421 South for when the Beltway is completed.


At the current other end of the Beltway current and future signage along US 421 South, Salem Parkway East.

Image of plans for signage along US 421 North for I-74 once signed on completed 
          eastern section of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, NCDOT August 2022Future signage along US 421 North, Salem Parkway west.


Signage at the future ramp to I-74 East along US 421 North.

Image of plans for future 2 mile advance for I-74 Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
         on I-40 West in Winston-Salem, NCDOT August 2022Signage on I-40 West approaching future I-74/Beltway interchange.


Future signage in I-40 West at the Linville Road exit (notice the error in the exit tab, going west it should say Exit 227 B-A).

EARLIER PLANS

Here are earlier plans released for the US 421/Salem Parkway to I-40 contract let on December 21, 2021. The sign plans here include some of the signs to be featured in the last segment from I-40 to what the existing I-74 (Former US 311) freeway. Here's a sample of the exit signs, headed west to east:

NCDOT sign plane image of 1/4 mile advance sign for US 421 exits on Future I-74 West in Forsyth County, October 2021

The 1/4 Mile advance sign for the US 421/Salem Parkway exit. There will be auxiliary signs for the parkway itself.

NCDOT sign plan for 1/2 Mile advance sign for Kernersville Road exit on future I-74/Winston 
                                                      Salem Northern Beltway, October 2021

The 1/2 mile advance for the next exit headed east, Kernersville Road.

NCDOT sign plan for 1/2 Mile advance sign for Kernersville Road exit on future I-74/Winston 
                                                      Salem Northern Beltway, October 2021

The 1/2 mile advance for the I-40 exit headed east. There will be a C/D ramp for the eastbound exits, but not for traffic headed west.

NCDOT sign plan images for I-40 exits on Future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway East, 
                                                          October 2021

Overhead sign plans for separate exit ramps for I-40 on the Beltway headed west.

The sign plans also included an exit for the last segment of the Eastern Beltway to be constructed:

NCDOT sign plan image of 1/4 Mile advance sign for NC 192 West exit on Future I-74 
                                                       East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, October 2021

The 1/4 Mile Advance sign for NC 192 East which will be the new route number for the current I-74 west of the future Beltway interchange.

NCDOT sign placement plan image showing distance between I-40 and I-74/NC 
                                                                     192 exits on future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway, October 2021

This sign placement plan shows how close the I-40 exit will be to the end of the Beltway at current I-74.

Based on ramp sign and mile marker plans, it appears I-74 will be signed along the Beltway when it is completed to I-40:

NCDOT sign plan images of overhead signs along Kernersville Road for Future I-74/Winston 
                                                          Salem Northern Beltway, October 2021

Plan for overhead ramp signs along Kernersville Road have I-74 shields, not reference to NC 74. Notice also that the control city for I-74 West in Wytheville VA, not Mount Airy, currently the control city along US 52 North in Winston-Salem.

NCDOT sign plans of Mile 55 to 57 milemarkers along future I-74/Winston Salem Northern 
                                                  Beltway from US 421 to I-40, October 2021

Plans for 1 and 1/2 mile markers show inclusion of I-74 shields.

Posted plans also included those along I-40 which also refer to I-74, not NC 74:

NCDOT sign plan image for overheads at ramp to future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway 
                                                       exit on I-40 East, October 2021

The plans for the overhead signs at the C/D ramp for the future I-74 Beltway exit on I-40 East. Notice the exit number discrepancy, 2 miles between Exits 201 and 198, not the biggest one, see below.

NCDOT sign plan image of overhead signage at ramp for Union Cross Road exit on I-40 West 
                                                      that includes 1 mile advance for future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway, October 2021

The sign plans on I-40 West feature a 1 mile gap between Exits 201 and 198.

NCDOT sign plan of I-74 sign at split of ramps along I-40/C/D lane at future I-74/Winston 
                                                     Salem Northern Beltway exit on I-40, October 2021

Here's a plan of the signage at the split of ramps from I-40 to the I-74 Beltway (similar signage with an I-40 shield is on the C/D ramp from the Beltway headed east.

Here's what the current I-74 East signage on I-40 West will look like once the Beltway is completed:

NCDOT sign plan image of 2 miles advance sign for future NC 192 East (current I-74 East) 
                                                        exit on I-40 West, October 2021

Plan for the 2 Miles advance sign on I-40 West. The plans for I-40 East were not included, perhaps it will say "To I-74 East" unless they would prefer traffic to use the Beltway ramps.

MORE EARLIER SIGN PLANS

Based on a public relations request, AARoads Forum member Roadsguy obtained copies of the plans from NC 66 to US 311 and was kind to forward them to me. The plans featured updated signage for Exits 49 and 50 on I-74 East for when the Beltway opened west of US 311:

NCDOT sign plans for overhead signs for US 158 and US 311 exit on Future I-74 East in 
                                                     Winston-Salem

As can be seen on the US 311 sign, a future overlay with North is provided, indicating NCDOT is planning to further shorten the route's length, this time eliminating the route between the Beltway and US 52 in Winston-Salem.

The plans for the exits between Baux Mountain Road and NC 66 match those of the signs seen in the photos above.

The plans for the NC 66 exit also show what the future I-74/US 52 interchange signage will look like when the ramp opens, and later:

NCDOT plan for overhead signage at NC 66/University Parkway exit for Future I-74 West/
               Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange with US 52/Future I-274/Future I-285

Plan for future ramp signage once I-74 is signed along the Beltway:

NCDOT future plan for I-74 ramp signage once the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway is completed

Plans for the second segment, from US 158 to US 311 were put on NCDOT's website on August 22, 2017, with a letting in October. The second segment will run almost 2 miles. Here's plans showing the new exit number for the US 311 exit:

Sign plan for US 311 and US 158 exit signs on Future I-74 Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by NCDOTSign plan for US 311 interchange westbound at US 158 exit (already existing from previous contract, see plans below) showing it will be designated Exit 49.


Plan for future exit sign at interchange with Future I-74 East and US 421 (Bus. 40) on Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, by NCDOTPlan for new arrow-per-lane sign to be placed at US 158 exit when I-74 is completed east to US 311. Notice the lack of reference to Business 40 (seen on the earlier plan below) on the US 421 sign. In the spring of 2017, NCDOT announced that the official name for the Business 40 route in the future will be the US 421 Salem Parkway, implying that the Business 40 designation will be dropped.


Plans for construction of the first segment of the Beltway were put on NCDOT's website on August 19, 2014 as advertising for the project letting on October 21. The first segment will run 3 miles between Business 40/US 421 and US 158, Reidsville Road it will also include the building of approximately 1 mile of the Loop further eastward toward I-40 that will be completed in the future. The signing plans indicate the route will be temporarily signed as NC 74, until the route is connected to at least I-40. The NC 74 signs can be seen in this plan for the initial signage at the Business 40 exit:

Image of I-74 sign plans in Winston-Salem, from NCDOTPlan for signage on Business 40 East, showing temporary NC 74 designation, to be changed to I-74 when Loop is, at least, partially completed east to I-40.


Image of sign plans for I-74 in Winston-Salem at Business 40, from NCDOTInitial and future signs for I-74 East at the Business 40/US 421 Exit. Since these plans were published, NCDOT has announced it will remove the Business 40 designation from what will be called the US 421 Salem Parkway around 2020.


Image of sign plans for US 158 exit on future I-74 freeway in Winston-Salem, from NCDOTSignage plans for the US 158 exit ramp signage to I-74 East.


Sign plans for Future I-74 freeway in Winston-Salem, from NCDOTSignage planned for I-74 West at the US 421 interchange.


Plans for eventual exit signs on Business 40 for I-74 in Winston-Salem, from NCDOTPlans for signage approaching I-74 along US 421 North at South Main St in Kernersville, the exit number is now 227.


Image of route shields to be installed as part of I-74 freeway 
construction in Winston-Salem, from NCDOTRoute shields to be featured on this segment of the Beltway. Though the signs for the Business 40 exit do not included NC 150, which is routed on the highway along with US 421, the ground signage still indicates its presence. Again, the plan is for the Business 40 designation to be removed from US 421 in 2020.


The plans indicate that the exit numbers along this segment will be 53 A&B for US 42 and 50 for US 158. The sign plan for the next segment to be constructed, from US 158 to US 311, indicates that US 311 will be Exit 49. 

Improving News for Eastern Section Construction in recent years

The remaining segments of the Beltway were unfunded, and their construction dates uncertain, until December 2014. That month NCDOT released their latest draft State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document, formally approved in June 2015, which listed all funded projects in the state from 2016 to 2025. In the 2018-2027 STIP released in August 2017, among Forsyth County projects to be funded, included all of the remaining six Beltway segments. Next in line was (Segment C) the 1.4 mile US 158 to US 311/Walkertown Road segment which was awarded on December 6, 2017 at a cost of $68 million, work started in January 2018 with a planned completion by November 2021.12 The two segments (AA and AB) to connect these completed Beltway segments to I-74/US 311, from Business 40/US 421 to I-40 and from I-40 to I-74/US 311, will together cost $273 million and will start in 2020 and 2021. Contracts for the other 3 segments, unfunded in the previous TIP, D, US 311 to Baux Mountain Road, E, Baux Mountain Road to NC 8, and F, NC 8 to US 52, all Design-Build projects, were put out to bid in March 24, 2018, delayed 5 months in October 2017, funded due to reforms to the 2015-17 state budget that added over $700 million in new moneys for transportation over the next two years, work is to be completed in 2021.13 A contract which will build the Beltway interchange with US 52 was let in August 2018, work then start in November 2018 with the project originally set to be completed in September 2022, now in the fall of 2023.4

The project has been further accelerated since, with work starting on the 2 mile section from US 158 to US 311 on January 20, 2018 with completion in December 2020.6 The letting of the remaining projects from US 311 to US 52, design-build contracts covering 6.9 miles from US 311 to just east of US 52 was delayed until March 2018, work started in April 2018 and the road opened to NC 66 in November 2022. NCDOT also let a design-build contract to build the future Beltway interchange with US 52. Work started in October 2018 with an anticipated completion date of November 2023, the project is 86.7% complete as of August 31, 2023.16

Project History (This Section is now on the Future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway website).


For the latest official information on the Beltway, go to NCDOT's Winston-Salem Northern Beltway project page.

*In November 2004, NCDOT released, as part of its Strategic Highway Corridors initiative, a map of existing and proposed Triad area highways showing an I-285 extending from I-85 in Lexington to I-40 in Winston-Salem with a note saying it would be extended to I-74 if US 52 was upgraded to interstate standards.17 Finally, in 2019, I-285 from I-85 to I-40 was signed, after all projects to upgrade the highway to interstate standards were completed. In May 2019, NCDOT got permission from AASHTO to designate US 52 from I-40 to the future Northern Beltway interchange as Future I-285. It is unknown at this time when projects to upgrade this part of the highway will be funded. For more information, visit my Future I-285 page.

**On the same SHC Triad map18 the western half of the Beltway, from US 52 (I-74) to I-40, is signed as:

Image of NC I-274 shield (from Shields Up!)


(information on I-274 is on the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway main page.)

***There seems to have been some confusion over the years as to the actual Eastern Beltway mileage. The 2004-2010 STIP listed the distance for the Beltway from US 52 to I-40 as 12.6 miles and the extension to US 311 as 1.6 miles (for a total of 14.2 miles). Then the subsequent STIP listed the entire length as 12.6 miles (used in the map below). The Strategic Corridors list says the total mileage is 16.2. A 2006 newspaper article listed the distance as 17.4 miles. The 2009-2015 STIP listed the project distance from US 52 to I-40 as 14.3 miles. The Draft STIP released in December 2014 and all subsequent STIPs, lists the combined mileage for projects U-2579 and U-2579A as 17.1 miles, so this is the mileage number I am using.

If anyone else has photos of the current roads in the vicinity of this segment, feel free to E-mail me.

A detailed map from 1999 showing part of the proposed I-74 route between Bus. 40 and US 311 in more detail: