Image of NC Interstate 74 shield (from Shields Up!) Segment 7-Construction Photos

Construction Photos from the Western Section from 2004 to 2010 (Hover over for larger image)

A summary of construction going from west to east:

I. The I-85/I-74 Interchange Flyover Ramp

Photo of I-74 Flyover Ramp to I-85 near completion in July 2010Probable final completed appearance of Flyover Ramp in July 2010. Note guardrails put up at beginning of bridge. (7/25/10)


Photo of I-74 Flyover Ramp to I-85 under construction in Jan. 2010Appearance of the Flyover Ramp in January 2010. Note the lack of a tie in from the ramp on the left. Guardrails and asphalt needed to be applied to complete the link to the previous bridge. An asphalt layer had been completed from the right side of the bridge to I-85. (1/14/10)


Photo of I-74 Flyover Ramp to I-85 under construction in Nov. 2009The ramp as it appeared in November 2009, note still the need to put in concrete walls along the bridge structure, the container units are on the future on-ramp to I-74 East. (11/8/09)


Photo of I-74 Flyover Ramp to I-85 under construction in Nov. 2009The ramp leading to the Flyover in November 2009, showing there has been some progress, but there remains work needed to finish the bridge and tie it to the approaching roadway. (11/8/09)


Photo of I-74 Flyover Ramp to I-85 under construction in June 2009In mid-June 2009 the decking needed more attention, the future ramps and I-74 roadway had received at least one coat of asphalt around the I-85 interchange. (6/14/09)


Photo of I-74 Flyover Ramp to I-85 now under construction in April 2009Here's a view of what was in place on the bridge pier in April 2009, part of the flyover ramp from I-74 East. (4/5/09)


Photo of I-74 Flyover Ramp to I-85 under construction in Nov. 2008View of the same bridge structure about five months earlier, not much progress here, though the bridge piers in the background appear to be near completion. (11/23/08)


Photo of I-74 Flyover Ramp to I-85 bridge pier under construction in Feb. 
2008A completed bridge pier can be seen in the distance, from the now split Checker Road, now renamed Modlin Grove Road, due to I-74 construction, in early 2008. (2/23/08)


Photo of construction in area of future I-74 Flyover Ramp to I-85 in Jan. 
2010A look further to the east shows a contractor truck (in yellow) using the I-85 North off-ramp from I-74 which has been paved to where it merges with the ramp from the flyover ramp. (1/14/10)


Photo of area near I-74 Flyover Ramp to I-85 under construction in Apr. 2010Progress in landscaping is seen from this photo looking east of I-85 in April 2010, compare this to the photo below from 6 months earlier (Mother Nature has helped some). (4/11/10)


Photo of area near I-74 Flyover Ramp to I-85 under construction in Nov. 
2009View of the I-74 roadbed east of the I-85 interchange showing progress, including the placement of some guardrail along the westbound roadway and the completed grading of this section heading toward the NC 62 bridge. (11/8/09)


Photo of I-74/I-85 interchange under construction in June 2009The view of progress in constructing this section is shown from looking at the photo below from early 2008. (6/14/09)


Photo of I-74/I-85 interchange under construction in Feb. 2008Road grading was just starting east of I-85 and west of NC 62 back in Feb. 2008. Taken just after the split of then Checker Road. (2/23/08)


Photo of I-74/I-85 interchange area under construction in Sept. 2007Here's the view approaching the construction area on I-85 North, lanes had been restricted in the area from 3 to 2, for I-74 construction a month earlier (September 2007).





II. NC 62 Bridge

The NC 62 bridge over I-74/US 311 to the east of the I-85 interchange was largely completed in 2009 with the decking completed by February. The only remaining project was to cut down the approaches to the bridge to match the existing NC 62 roadway. This had been largely completed by June. The bridge was opened to traffic in July 2009.

Photo of completed NC 62 bridge showing landscaping work in June 2010View of final stages of landscaping for the bridge occurring in June 2010. (6/20/10)


Photo of driving over the opened NC 62 bridge showing work remaining in July 
2009Driving over the open NC 62 bridge in July 2009. Some work remained, as seen by the orange barrels in the distance. (7/26/09)


Photo of unopened NC 62 bridge showing construction on connection from the 
new bridge to existing highway, June 2009NC 62 Bridge at left showing what remained to be done to tie the new bridge approach to existing roadway in June 2009. (6/14/09)


Photo of view of NC 62 bridge from East NC 62, awaiting final grading and road 
realignment in April 2009The view of the bridge heading east as of April 2009, at that time only grading has been mostly completed, road realignment and paving were still needed. (4/5/09)


Photo of construction project on NC 62 bridge over I-74 in October 2008Compare progress to the way the bridge appeared in October 2008, only the metal bridge supports had been placed. (10/31/08)


Photo of view of bridge over I-74 on NC 62 West with construction nearly 
complete, Jan. 2010View now looking the other direction on NC 62 toward the bridge in January 2010, when construction in this area was near completion. (1/28/10)


Photo of completed NC 62 bridge over I-74 in July 2009 showing landscapingAbout 5 months earlier, the orange barrels are protecting the growing grass surface on either side of NC 62 after the new bridge was open. (7/26/09)


Photo of grading around NC 62 bridge in April 2009 showing the realignment of 
a nearby roadThe view of the grading and bridge looking west in April 2009, NC 62 crosses a roadway here, the intersection was moved back to accommodate the new alignment. (4/5/09)


View of under construction I-74 freeway from NC 62 bridge in June 2010View from the NC 62 Bridge looking South/East in June 2010. It appeared most paving and landscaping had been completed from here to the Tuttle Road Bridge, lack of change in view a month later tends to confirm this view. (6/20/10)


Photo of I-74 freeway construction from NC 62 in Nov. 2008 showing first 
layer of pavementThis view is from November 2008 showing the roadbed had received its first coat of asphalt heading east, but it didn't go too far around the corner based on the photos below. (11/23/08)


View of under construction I-74 freeway east of NC 62 bridge in Sept. 2007Here's a view to the opposite side of the bridge showing the progress of land clearing a couple miles east of NC 62 in the Fall of 2007. (September 2007)


Photo of view from NC 62 bridge along I-74 freeway toward I-85 interchange 
in Jan. 2010The view looking westbound (north) toward the I-85 interchange in January 2010. The gantry for the future I-85 North exit sign can be seen in the distance. A sign was put up on this cantilevered structure in July 2010. (1/28/10)


III. Tuttle Road Bridge

This was the first bridge completed for this segment. Started in the spring of 2007, graded fill was placed up to the western edge of where the completed bridge in May 2008. The bridge was open early in August 2008. The following are photos from June, November, and December 2009, which look similar to the view in January 2010. The first photo is from April 2010 when the last coat of asphalt was placed on the bridge and surrounding roadways. Similar work was done on the bridges and approaches to the south/east:

Photo showing work completed on open Tuttle Road Bridge and reconstructed
road in area, April 2010The 'completed' Tuttle Road over I-74 in April 2010. Approaching the bridge from the east, as you can see Tuttle Road itself was also reconstructed at the time the bridge was built, several homes now though have steep driveways, such as the one on the right, just before the bridge. (4/11/10)


Photo of opened Tuttle Road Bridge in Dec. 2009 showing need for more
pavement to smooth transition from road to bridgeHere's the view of the bridge looking eastward in 2009, showing the need to put more asphalt down to make it a smoother transition onto the bridge. (12/12/09)


View of under construction I-74 freeway from Tuttle Road Bridge in July 2010View from East End of Tuttle Road Bridge in July 2010 showing basic completion of landscaping and placing of sign gantry for I-85 exit around corner. (7/25/10)


Photo looking east from Tuttle Rd Bridge toward Poole Road showing I-74 
freeway is open to construction vehicles, Dec. 2009Progress at the end of 2009 (from that in the photo below) can be seen in this view looking east/south toward Poole Road showing the addition of the possible final asphalt layer, at least good enough for the contractor to drive on (eventually the wrong way), and seeding of the median and surrounding surface area, plus guardrails added to the future westbound roadway. (12/12/09)


Photo of view looking south along I-74 freeway showing curve in route under 
construction, June 2009An earlier view from the top of the bridge from June, the curve ahead is one of the steepest ones on this segment. (6/14/09)


Photo of view north along under construction I-74 freeway in July 2010View of nearly completed freeway looking north from Tuttle Road bridge in July 2010. Notice the addition of an exit sign gantry and median guide wires since last photographed. (7/25/10)


Photo of view north and west from Tuttle Rd Bridge showing I-74 construction 
progress in Dec. 2009This view looks west/north from the Tuttle Road bridge at the end of 2009 and shows work being performed at that time and more guardrails along the highway than the month before. (12/12/09)


Photo of view west/north from Tuttle Rd Bridge showing I-74 construction 
progress in June 2009A similar view looking toward NC 62 in June 2009, note some of the road surface has recently received several layers of asphalt. (6/14/09)


IV. Poole Road Bridge

This bridge was opened in May 2009 a month earlier than projected. By April 2009, all bridge structures were complete and metal re-bar decking had been in place. Concrete pouring was then started on the decking. A final asphalt layer was placed on the bridge in April 2010.

Photo of approaching the Poole Road Bridge from the westerly direction after 
it opened in June 2009This is a view I could not take before the bridge had opened, looking at the Poole Road Bridge approaching from the west. (6/14/09)


Photo of opened Poole Road Bridge from I-74 west freeway still under 
construction in October 2010View from unopened I-74 West freeway in October 2010 approaching the Poole Road bridge, roadway had been completed except for lane markings. (10/23/10)


Photo of completed Poole Road Bridge heading west over I-74 still under 
constructionHere's what the completed bridge looked like heading west in June 2009, as you can tell, work was continuing on landscaping of I-74. (6/14/09)


Photo of construction progress on Poole Road bridge over I-74 Freeway, April 
2009Here's the view in early April 2009 showing the cement has been poured and the re-bar in place to pour concrete for the side of the bridge. A truck actually crossed the bridge while I was parking to take this photo. (4/5/09)


Photo of construction progress on Poole Road bridge over I-74 Freeway, Oct. 
2008This is the view of the Poole Road before bridge construction but after the roadbed had been cut through in the Fall of 2008. (10/31/08)


Photo of view along unopened I-74 East freeway approaching the Poole Rd 
Bridge in Oct. 2010View along the unopened (officially) I-74 East freeway in October 2010 awaiting line markings, showing creek bridges before Poole Road bridge. (10/23/10)


Photo of construction progress north of Poole Road bridge over I-74 Freeway, 
June 2010Looking north from the bridge shows the progress made in paving and landscaping the area around the creek bridges shown above. In July another paved layer was put down before the eastbound bridge and the road was blocked off by orange barrels. (6/20/10)


Photo of construction progress north of Poole Road bridge over I-74 Freeway, 
April 2010Progress in grading roadbed to the finished creek bridge could be seen north of the Poole Road bridge in April 2010. (4/11/10)


Photo of construction progress north of Poole Road bridge over I-74 Freeway, 
Sept. 2009View looking North from to the Poole Road bridge in Sept. 2009 shows progress on grading and paving at that time, plus the completion of the westbound bridge over the creek. (9/18/09)


Photo of construction progress north of Poole Road bridge over I-74 Freeway, 
June 2009The same view from the bridge in June 2009. Showing the progress in completing the roadbed and the creek bridges being built about 1/4 mile away. (6/14/09)


Photo showing view traveling along unopened I-74 East freeway near the 
Poole Rd Bridge, Oct. 2010View along unopened I-74 East freeway in October 2010 showing installation of mile markers, but no lane markings as of this time. (10/23/10)


Photo of construction progress south of Poole Road bridge over I-74 Freeway, 
May 2010View showing progress in median landscaping south of the Poole Road Bridge in May 2010, the asphalt continues south almost to the Cedar Square Road interchange.(5/9/10)


Photo of construction progress south of Poole Road bridge over I-74 Freeway, 
in Jan. 2010Looking east, four months earlier, in January 2010 shows progress in constructing the eastbound roadway over the winter. Notice the highway looks less complete with the grass turning brown in this area since the fall (one photo below). (1/14/10)


Photo of construction progress south of Poole Road bridge over I-74 Freeway, 
toward Cedar Square Rd, Sept. 2009The view looking east/southbound toward Cedar Square Road in September 2009 showing the progress in grading and paving the road over the previous summer. (9/18/09)


Photo of construction progress south of Poole Road bridge over I-74 Freeway, 
June 2009The view looking east/southbound in June 2009 of the progress made in grading and paving the first half of the year. (6/14/09)


Photo of construction progress on Poole Road bridge over I-74 Freeway, from
new alignment of Poole Rd, Sept. 2009The view of the Poole Road Bridge from the new Poole Road alignment in September 2009. Compare the size of plant growth along side the freeway to that in the photo below. (9/18/09)


Photo of approaching site of Poole Rd bridge before it opened, April 2009This is the view approaching the bridge before it opened in April 2009.(4/5/09)


Photo of soil boring machines being used to test site for future bridge, Nov. 
2008Workers used soil boring machines for testing in anticipation of construction of the new Poole Road bridge in the Fall of 2008. (11/03/08)


Photo of asphalt trucks parked along future I-74 westbound lanes near Poole 
Road in June 2010A number of trucks are parked along the westbound lanes as seen from Poole Road. Apparently asphalt trucks waiting for another batch, the contractor had problems getting the quantities of asphalt needed, slowing progress in May and June 2010. (6/20/10)


Photo of construction progress south of Poole Road bridge over I-74 Freeway, 
Oct. 2009A similar view of the future freeway in October 2009. At this time there was noticeable progress in grading and placing asphalt as compared to the photo below that was taken a year earlier. (10/12/09)


Photo of construction progress on Poole Road bridge over I-74 Freeway, 
Oct 2008Here's what the graded freeway looked like from the new section of Poole Road leading to the bridge in October 2008. The road has been moved out of the freeway alignment and built south to connect with Cedar Square Road (the original road intersected with US 311). (10/31/08)


V. Cedar Square Road Bridge and Interchange

Work was completed on the bridge and the new alignment for Cedar Square Road on Nov. 17, 2009. Traffic could thus access US 311 1/2 mile south (east) while the former alignment was excavated to construct the future I-74/US 311 roadbeds and exit ramps. The interchange was opened on November 22, 2010 with the rest of this section of I-74.

Photo of Cedar Square Exit Ramp near Glenola from unopened I-74 East 
freeway in Oct. 2010Approaching Cedar Square exit ramp on unopened I-74 East Freeway in October 2010. Note poles for exit sign. This will be the temporary end to I-74 until the next part to US 220 is completed in 2013. (10/23/10)


Photo of driving up unopened Cedar Square Rd offramp near Glenola from I-74 
East in Oct. 2010Proceeding up the yet-to-be completed I-74 East, Cedar Square Road interchange off-ramp. Note barriers at end of ramp denoting freeway closed, however, the barriers for the on-ramp, seen below, could be driven around. (10/23/10)


Photo of progress constructing the eastbound off-ramp for I-74 from Cedar 
Square Rd, July 2010View of progress made on constructing the eastbound off-ramp in July 2010, showing more work completed than in the previous two months. (7/25/10)


Photo of the many construction vehicles involved in building the Cedar 
Square Rd interchange with I-74 in May 2010Most of the construction activity would occur near Cedar Square Road in May 2010, based on the number of contractor vehicles parked near the eastbound off-ramp. (5/9/10)


Photo of progress in grading future road surface under open Cedar Square Rd 
bridge in May 2010A closer look on progress in grading under the bridge, there's less grading in the right lane, but this part of the freeway will not be needed until the second part to US 220 opens in 2013. (5/9/10)


Photo of progress in moving dirt from under the Cedar Square Rd bridge to  
allow for grading of the I-74 freeway underneath, Apr 2010By April 2010 piles of dirt in front of the bridge are all that is left of the former alignment of Cedar Square Road. Work continued to bring the freeway down to grade so that the asphalt in the foreground can continue under the bridge. (4/11/10)


Photo of crossing inthe newly opened Cedar Square Rd Bridge in Dec. 2009View heading across the opened Cedar Square Road Bridge in December 2009, the bridge is 3 lanes wide to accommodate a left turn lane for the I-74 East on-ramp on the other side. (12/12/09)


Photo of construction progress on off-ramp from future I-74 East at Cedar 
Square Rd in Apr 2010Progress on building the eastbound off-ramp in April 2010. Work to complete the ramp had to wait until all the dirt from the former alignment of Cedar Square Road was removed. (4/11/10)


Photo showing progress in grading the future freeway roadbed in vicinity of the 
Cedar Square Rd interchange in Jan. 2010View under the open Cedar Square Road bridge showing the progress in grading the future freeway in January 2010, only the westbound lanes need to be completed at this time. Later in March paving started on the other side of the bridge and further east/south toward Spencer Road (1/14/10)


Photo looking at the almost completed Cedar Square Rd bridge nine days 
before it opened in Nov. 2009The view of the bridge and roadway progress in early November 2009, nine days before it opened. (11/8/09)


Photo of the Cedar Square Rd Bridge a month prior to its opening to 
traffic, Oct. 2009The bridge as it appeared in October 2009. Final work was being done on the bridge deck and the side walls to the bridge were almost complete on the north side. (10/12/09)


Photo of construction of Cedar Square Rd Bridge over future I-74 freeway in 
Glenola, June 2009Quite a difference in comparing this photo from the one 3 months later above, at that time construction of the center pier appeared to be complete, but there were no signs of bridge decking materials in the area as of yet. (6/14/09)


Photo of final grading of new alignment for Cedar Square Road for I-74 
construction in Dec. 2009View of the end of the graded roadway in December 2009. The now former alignment of Cedar Square Rd. needed removal before grading (and paving) could continue. (12/12/09)


Photo of view from Cedar Square Rd bridge north toward Poole Road showing 
progress on constructing I-74 freeway in Aug. 2010Looking north back toward the Poole Road bridge in August 2010. Progress is proceeding slowly on grading the new freeway. (8/29/10)


Photo showing progress removing previous alignment of Cedar Square Rd needed 
to construct new I-74 exit rampsSimilar view looking on what remained of the old Cedar Square Road in January 2010. Progress had been made extending asphalt to the eastbound interchange ramp, but most of the former Cedar Square road embankment still needed to be removed before more progress to the east could continue. Poole Road now is extended over the old Cedar Square alignment back to the east side of the bridge. (1/14/10)


Photo of removing old alignment of Cedar Square Road for I-74 construction 
in Dec. 2009View of the completed section of the eastbound on-ramp a month earlier with final grading to start after the old Cedar Square Road was removed. (12/12/09)


Photo of view from Cedar Square Rd to the north showing consruction progress 
in Nov. 2009Looking back toward the Poole Road Bridge in November 2009, progress had been made in excavating the eastbound off-ramp and placing asphalt on the future westbound roadway. (11/8/09)


Photo showing progress in building the Future I-74 east off-ramp to Cedar 
Square Road in Nov. 2009Progress in building the eastbound off-ramp in November 2009 from Poole Road. (11/8/09)


Photo showing progress in building the Future I-74 east off-ramp to Cedar 
Square Road in Sept. 2009The beginning of work on the eastbound off-ramp can be seen in this photo from September 2009. The high ground with the barrels behind is the former Cedar Square Road which was removed once the new bridge was completed. (9/18/09)


Photo showing progress in building the new alignment for Cedar Square Road 
in Dec. 2009The view of the opened new alignment of Cedar Square Road heading west toward the bridge, the old road to the right will become an extension of Poole Road. (12/12/09)


Photo showing the near completion of the connection between the new portion 
of Cedar Square Rd with the old alignment, Nov. 2009Photo from a month earlier showing the connection between the existing and new alignment of Cedar Square Road almost complete. (11/8/09)


Photo showing progress in removing the old alignment of Cedar Square Road to 
make way for the I-74 freeway, March 2010View in early March 2010 showing progress in removing old alignment of Cedar Square Road. Removing rest is complicated by need to move existing intersection of Poole Road to the east. This was completed later in March and the remaining westbound lanes graded. (3/10/10)


Photo showing the excavation of the freeway bed near Cedar Square Road in 
Oct. 2009View of progress in excavating the freeway bed up to Cedar Square Road, the dirt ramp on the right allows construction trucks to stay in the construction area and simply cross the current Cedar Square Road when necessary (necessitating the workers with stop signs seen above. (10/12/09)


Photo from Poole Road showing progress in constructing I-74 freeway to 
Cedar Square Road in April 2009The view in April 2009 from Poole Road to the current Cedar Square Road at the start of construction beyond for the new bridge. (4/5/09)


Photo of newly completed, but not yet opened, West I-74 on-ramp from 
Cedar Square Rd, Oct. 2010View approaching completed, but not yet opened to public access, westbound I-74 on-ramp from Cedar Square Road in October 2010. (10/23/10)


Photo of driving on to-be-opened on-ramp to I-74 West from Cedar Square 
Road in Oct. 2010View of traveling on yet-to-be opened westbound I-74 on-ramp in October 2010 from Cedar Square Road. (10/23/10)


Photo of construction progress in building the westbound I-74 on-ramp from 
Cedar Square Road, Aug. 2010Progress on building the westbound off-ramp a couple months earlier in August 2010 as viewed from the end of Poole Road. (8/29/10)


Photo of construction progress in building the westbound I-74 on-ramp from 
Cedar Square Road, May 2010A still earlier look at the westbound on-ramp in May 2010. This and the eastbound off-ramp are the only ramps that need to be completed for the interchange to be opened, given the I-74 freeway is to end here until April 2013. (5/9/10)


Photo of view south of Cedar Square Road Bridge toward the end of the first 
part of the contract building I-74 at Spencer RoadView from the Cedar Square Rd Bridge looking south toward the end of the first part of the contract at Spencer Road. (8/29/10)


Photo of view south of Cedar Square Road Bridge toward the end of the first 
part of the contract building I-74 at Spencer Road, June 2010Same view as above, looking toward the end of the first part of the contract at Spencer Road in June 2010. (6/20/10)


Photo of progress in creating the I-74 west off-ramp to Cedar Square Road in
May 2010View of progress in creating the westbound off-ramp and grading the future 2012 on-ramp across for the end of Poole Road. (5/9/10)


Photo of progress in creating the I-74 west off-ramp to Cedar Square Road 
in Jan. 2010The same view in January 2010. The intersection will be controlled by traffic signals when the westbound on-ramp is open.


Photo of progress in creating the I-74 west exit ramps for Cedar Square 
Road in Dec. 2009Both the future on and off-ramps from the westbound freeway will intersect on the south side of Cedar Square Road. This photo is of progress where the ramps meet at the intersection in December 2009. (12/12/09)


Photo of progress in creating the I-74 west exit ramps for Cedar Square 
Road in Dec. 2009Photo showing the progress of connecting the off and on-ramps to the westbound freeway in December 2009. (12/12/09)


VI. The Temporary Routing of US 311 along Cedar Square Road

Photo of new alignment of Cedar Square Rd from future I-74 freeway to 
current US 311, Apr. 2010The view of Cedar Square Road from the future freeway to current US 311, with final paving done in early April 2010. (4/11/10)


Photo of Cedar Square Road looking west from I-74 freeway toward existing 
US 311 near Glenola, Dec. 2009Until the I-74 freeway is complete to US 220, all traffic to and from the freeway will use the new Cedar Square Road alignment, seen here in December 2009, to connect to the existing US 311. Note the large concrete median, meant to prevent easy U-turns along this stretch? (12/12/09)


Photo of Cedar Square Road looking west from I-74 freeway toward existing 
US 311 showing progress in building new alignment in Nov. 2009In November 2009 the new alignment south of the Cedar Square bridge was complete and traffic signals had been put up and placed on yellow flash mode in preparation for the opening of the intersection. US 311 was routed from the freeway to meet its current alignment at this point when the freeway opened in Nov. 2010. The old alignment was to be designated US 311 Business according to plans, but NCDOT successfully petitioned AASHTO to remove that designation along US 311's old route on Main Street through High Point from Business 85 in 2009. New signage put up on I-85 in March 2010 indicated Business 311 would not be signed along this stretch either.(13) (11/8/09)


Photo of Cedar Square Road looking west from I-74 freeway toward existing 
US 311 near Glenola, Oct. 2009This was the view of the end of the new Cedar Square Road at US 311 in October 2009 which will temporarily take I-74 traffic to and from US 311 when the freeway first opens. In November 2009 the road appeared complete with the exception of line striping. Notice the future signal poles on the right and electronic loops for the signals have already been placed under the asphalt on the bottom right. (10/12/09)


Photo showing the existing US 311 roadway in Sept. 2009 looking south 
toward the traffic light at Spencer RdThe end of the US 311 construction zone, the next traffic light is for Spencer Road, the end point for the first part of the project. (9/18/09)


Photo on current US 311 North in Oct. 2009 approaching Cedar Square Road, to 
be the link between the old and new alignments of US 311 in Nov. 2010 Here's the view approaching the construction zone from the opposite direction on US 311 North. (10/12/09)


The End of Phase 1 of the Construction Project:

Photo of construction equipment gathered near Spencer Road, the official 
southern end of the I-74 project, May 2010Some of the construction equipment as seen from Spencer Road, the official end to the first phase of the project. (5/9/10)




Construction photos from the Eastern part of the Segment from 2008 to 2012 (Hover Over for Larger Image)











Here are photos taken in each of the major construction areas for the second contract building I-74 from Spencer Road to I-73/US 220 from 2008 to 2012, going west to east with images proceeding backward chronologically, starting in the Summer of 2012:

I. Spencer Road

This road did not receive a bridge across the new freeway. It was closed to through traffic in April 2011. It now consists of two sections; 'Old Spencer Road' west of the new freeway to current US 311 and 'Spencer Road' to the east which has been extended, now turning left at the freeway right-of-way and proceeding south for about 1/2 mile, it is not completed to the next road, however. Traffic wishing to get to current US 311 south of Glenola now has to go over to Cedar Square Road. Spencer Road itself is currently being extended parallel to the US 311 freeway south to meet Banner Whitehead Road which will cross I-74/US 311.

Photo of I-74 freeway under construction from extension of Spencer Road near 
Glenola in August 2012View of I-74 freeway from extension of Spencer Road parallel to highway. Roadway simply ends at top of next hill. Construction equipment can be seen at end of paved area which extends from Cedar Square Rd. (8/1/12)


Photo of construction equipment on I-74 freeway under construction near 
Glenola in August 2012A closer look at the equipment revealed the big truck was being used for soil stabilization. Work that, needed in many places, evidently slow down the completion rate of the Interstate. (8/1/12)


Photo of view looking back along the Spencer Road extension towards the 
Cedar Square Rd interchange in Aug. 2012View looking back toward the Cedar Square Road area from the current end of the Spencer Road extension. (8/1/12)


Photo of view looking back from where Spencer Road had cut across I-74
roadbed towards the Cedar Square Rd interchange, Oct. 2011Photo looking back at the Cedar Square Road interchange from the roadbed now splitting Spencer Road in October 2011. Photo taken from the future East I-74 roadbed which will probably receive another layer of asphalt before work is completed. (10/13/11)


Photo of view looking along the Spencer Road extension towards the area of 
Banner Whitehead Rd, Aug. 2012View looking the other direction along the future I-74 East roadbed towards Banner Whitehead Road. Both roadbeds had received the same coatings of asphalt. (10/13/11)


Photo of view looking back north along the Spencer Road extension towards 
the Cedar Square Rd interchange near Glenola, Aug. 2012View looking north/west from Spencer Road before the start of construction on this phase of the US 311 Bypass project. (September 2009)


II. Banner Whitehead Road

A bridge was built to carry this road over I-74/US 311. It was completed in late 2011. In May 2011 the end pillars had been placed and work commenced on the middle pier. The bridge itself was almost complete by July. However, the connecting roadway approaches were still covered in mounds of dirt until the fall. The bridge was finally open by the end of 2011.

Photo of view of completed Banner Whitehead Rd Bridge in August 2012The view looking west over the completed Banner Whitehead Rd bridge in August 2012. (8/1/12)


Photo of view looking south from Banner Whitehead Rd Bridge showing progress 
in building I-74 Freeway in Aug. 2012Looking south from the bridge, soil problems may exist here in that they were still working on grading the roadway as it proceeded toward Branson Davis Road. (8/1/12)


Photo of view looking north from Banner Whitehead Rd Bridge showing progress 
in building I-74 freeway ifn Aug. 2012The view north shows similar conditions. The equipment seen in the distance are for the soil stabilization project seen above. Spencer Road ends at the other side of the tree stand at right, apparently not continuing, at least for now, due to property issues. (8/1/12)


Photo showing houses close to the freeway right-of-way along the former Banner 
Whitehead Rd alignment in Aug. 2012One of the houses along now Old Banner Whitehead Road is very close to the freeway, just north of the bridge. NCDOT has not built a connection between the old and new roads, residents have to access their houses through a sloping gravel entryway. (8/1/12)


Photo of view looking north from Banner Whitehead Rd along future corridor 
of I-74 freeway in Aug. 2010View looking north from Banner Whitehead showing clearing that had taken place for I-74 freeway as of August 2010. (8/29/10)


Photo of clearing that had taken place in vicinity of future Banner Whitehead 
Rd bridge in Aug. 2010Debris that has been cleared in the general area of the future bridge in the summer of 2010. (8/29/10).


III. Branson Davis Road

A bridge was needed here to take this road over I-74/US 311. Work started in the summer of 2010 and was completed in June 2012. Work had been completed on building a new road alignment to tie into the ends of the bridge back in May 2011. The bridge took longer with, work to complete the center pier finished in July 2011, when work proceeded on building the bridge deck which took almost a year. Delays in finishing this bridge have helped push back the roadway's opening to beyond 2012. This was the last bridge completed for the project.

Photo of workers completing the grading around the completed Branson Davis Rd 
Bridge over the future I-74 freeway in Aug. 2012Workers complete grading the area around the completed Branson Davis Rd bridge in August 2012. Work had been completed along the southbound side the week before. (8/1/12)


Photo of new alignment for Branson Davis Rd along completed bridge over future 
I-74 freeway in Aug. 2012Looking north of the bridge along new access road showing how work on grading this section was progressing after the bridge was opened in June 2012. (8/1/12)


Photo of Branson Davis Rd Bridge showing progress in excavating under for 
future I-74 freeway roadbed in Aug. 2012View looking southeast from access road showing progress in completing highway grading under the Branson Davis Rd Bridge. (8/1/12)


Photo showing driving over newly completed Branson Davis Rd Bridge in late 
July 2012View driving over the newly opened Branson Davis Rd Bridge in late July 2012. (7/27/12)


Photo of old alignment of Branson Davis Rd heading north before new bridge was 
completed, June 2012Looking north along old alignment of Branson Davis Road with unopened bridge to the right in June 2012. (6/10/12)


Photo along old alignment of Branson Davis Rd before new bridge was completed, 
June 2012The delay in completing the bridge is most apparent here, the car seen crossing is where the I-74 roadbed should be. (6/10/12)


Photo showing progress in completing the Branson Davis Rd bridge over the 
future I-74 freeway in Oct. 2011View of Branson Davis Road bridge deck in October 2011. The concrete deck for the bridge had been poured. Work remained along the sides of the bridge. (10/13/11)


Photo of Walker Mill Road from under Branson Davis Rd Bridge in June 2012Looking under the bridge in June 2012 towards the south and the next bridge over I-74, at Walker Mill Road. Lack of completion of both bridges had stalled building the freeway at this location until later that month. (6/10/12)

Photo of Walker Mill Road from under Branson Davis Rd Bridge in Oct. 2011Looking under the bridge in October 2011 toward Walker Mill Road shows similar progress as 8 months later. (10/13/11)


Photo showing I-74 freeway construction progress heading toward Walker 
Mill Road from Branson Davis Rd in Oct. 2010View looking south a year earlier, in the fall of 2010, toward construction along Walker Mill Road (see below). (10/3/10). Note construction on the bridge had not started yet.


Photo of I-74 construction in clearing area at Branson Davis Road in 2010Future Branson Davis Road bed being cleared in the Summer of 2010. (8/29/10)


Photo looking north of Branson Davis Rd showing I-74 construction progress 
in Aug. 2010Looking the other direction as the gap in the future road shows the future bridge location. (8/29/10)


Photo of grading progress around Branson Davis Rd Bridge in June 2012View northwest of Branson Davis Road in June 2012 showing where grading of the freeway stopped to wait for completion of the bridge. (6/10/12)


Photo looking northwest from Branson Davis Rd showing construction of access 
road paralleling I-74 freewayView looking northwest back in October 2011 toward Banner Whitehead Road. An access road was almost completed to the right to allow traffic to travel between the two roads. (10/13/11)


Photo looking north from Branson Davis Rd showing I-74 freeway construction 
progress, Oct. 2011Another view of progress in building the future I-74 freeway from Branson Davis Road north of future bridge. (10/13/11)


Photo looking north from Branson Davis Rd showing I-74 freeway 
construction progress, Oct. 2010Same view looking toward Banner Whitehead Road a year earlier showing progress in clearing the future freeway's path. (10/3/10)


Photo looking north from Branson Davis Rd showing I-74 freeway construction 
progress, Aug. 2010Same view a couple months earlier showing equipment used in clearing the future freeway's path. (8/29/10)


Photo looking future alignment Branson Davis Rd prior to construction of 
bridge over future I-74 freeway, Aug. 2011View of progress in building the future alignment of Branson Davis Road north of future bridge (location of telephone pole). (8/29/10)


IV. Walker Mill Road

This road crosses I-74/US 311 on a bridge just north of the future interchange with current US 311. Unlike Branson Davis, the bridge was built along the current road alignment and opened in June 2012 about a week earlier than the bridge at Branson Davis. Work started in 2010. By May 2011 work had been completed on a temporary road to route traffic around the construction area. By July pilings had been placed for the northern edge of the bridge.

Photo showing progress in removing soil from under completed Walker Mill Rd 
Bridge for future I-74 freeway in Aug. 2012View of progress in removing soil under the completed Walker Mill Rd Bridge in August 2012. The construction crews were removing the dirt and placing them in about 10 trucks which constantly shipped the dirt south to the future US 311 interchange. (8/1/12)


Photo showing progress in removing soil from under completed Walker Mill Rd 
Bridge for future I-74 freeway in Aug. 2012View of trench being dug to lower this section of the I-74 freeway to grade just south of the bridge. Truck is waiting to receive a new load of soil. (8/1/12)


Photo of view from driving over newly completed Walker Mill Rd Bridge over 
future I-74 freeway in July 2012Traveling east over the newly opened Walker Mill Rd Bridge in late July 2012. (7/27/12)


Photo from completed Walker Mill Rd Bridge looking north toward Branson Davis 
Rd in July 2012View from the completed bridge in late July 2012. Looking back toward Branson Davis and showing progress in grading freeway after work on the two bridges was completed. (7/28/12)


Photo from completed Walker Mill Rd Bridge looking south toward future US 311
interchange in July 2012View looking south from the bridge toward the US 311 interchange (where the dirt piles are). The grading has progressed well on the future eastbound lanes. (7/28/12)


Photo approaching unopened Walker Mill Rd Bridge heading east in June 2012Approaching the Walker Mill Rd Bridge in early June 2012. The bridge (along the road on the left) would be officially opened later in the week. (6/10/12) The excavation equipment in the photos above is working approximately where the temporary road bed (to the right) is above.


Photo from completed Walker Mill Rd Bridge looking south toward future US 311
interchange in Oct. 2011View looking south from Walker Mill Road towards current US 311 showing progress in paving and landscaping the future I-74 freeway in the fall of 2011. The freeway toward the 311 ramps would receive asphalt layers in the spring of 2012. (10/13/11)


Photo from Walker Mill Rd Bridge looking south toward future US 
311 interchange in Oct. 2010View south of Walker Mill Road a year earlier in the fall of 2010. (10/3/10)


Photo from Walker Mill Road looking south along future I-74 freeway toward 
future US 311 interchange in Aug. 2010Similar view looking south toward current US 311 in August 2010. At this time the freeway path had been cleared and work had only started on grading this section. (8/29/10)


Photo from Walker Mill Road looking south along future I-74 freeway toward 
the future US 311 interchange in Aug. 2010A closer view than above, current US 311 runs besides the telephone lines in the distance, landscaping has been completed along a portion of the future south/east roadway. (8/29/10)


Photo from Walker Mill Road looking north along future I-74 freeway toward 
Branson Davis Road in Oct. 2011View looking north from Walker Mill Road back to Branson Davis Road showing state of progress in building the freeway bed in October 2011. (10/13/11)


Photo looking at Walker Mill Road at site of future bridge over the I-74 
freeway toward in Oct. 2010View looking toward the Walker Mill Road bridge site a year earlier. Note that the crane was being used to work on the new bridge. (10/3/10)


Photo from Walker Mill Road showing box culverts and gravel awaiting their 
placement on the temporary roadway to keep road open while bridge over future I-74 freeway is built, Aug. 2010Concrete box culverts and gravel awaiting placement at the site of the future temporary roadway for Walker Mill Road to take traffic around the bridge construction. (8/29/10)


V. 'US 311' Bridge and Interchange

The only interchange between Spencer Road and US 220 will be placed in Sophia at the intersection of the new freeway and the existing US 311. Construction documents have been inconsistent as to what this interchange will be signed. Some documents indicated that US 311 will be routed off here and take its existing pathway east to US 220 (Future I-73). Signs put up along US 220 in July 2012 as part of the project contract seemed to confirm this as new US 311 signs put up at the existing roadway. Other documents insist US 311 will continue with I-74 and this interchange will indicate a road name and/or the town, Sophia. Existing US 311 originally was to be US 311 Business until High Point officials asked that route be decommissioned through their city (see I-74 Segment 6, Part 2) in 2009.2 Construction on this bridge began in the fall of 2009. All the major deck beams were in place in July 2011 and the bridge deck was completed late in 2011. Work has proceeded on the interchange which, due to train tracks on the south side of US 311, will be built completely to the north of the current roadway. Work proceeded on a new rail track and bridge along the old US 311 alignment, this was completed in the Spring of 2012.

Photo showing construction in area of completed US 311 bridge at future I-74 
freeway in Sophia, Aug. 2012Approaching the completed US 311 and railroad bridges in the Summer of 2012. Note trucks dumping dirt to be added to piles of soil excavated between Branson Davis and Walker Mill Roads. (8/1/12)


Photo showing progress in grading future US 311 interchange exit ramps in 
Sophia, Aug. 2012Work proceeding on grading the future I-74 Eastbound on and off-ramps in August 2012. Gravel was being dumped and spread over the future ramps. (8/1/12)


Photo of approach southbound to New US 311 bridge over future I-74 freeway 
in Sophia, Oct. 2011Scene approaching the completed bridge on South US 311 in October 2011. Equipment seen in the distance is working on the new railroad bridge that will run parallel to the highway. (10/13/11)


Photo of approach southbound to New US 311 bridge over future I-74 
freeway in Sophia, July 2010Approaching the future interchange on current US 311 South more than a year earlier in July 2010. Progress on clearing and work on the bridge could be seen at that time. (7/24/10)


Photo of approach southbound to New US 311 bridge over future I-74 
freeway in Sophia, May 2010Progress in clearing around the future Sophia interchange a couple months earlier, again approaching on southbound US 311 (5/9/10)


Photo of new railroad bridge using old US 311 bridge in Sophia, Aug. 2012View of new bridge from the railbed itself (no trains appeared during this time, fortunately) looking east. (8/1/12)


Photo of completed railroad bridge using old US 311 bridge in Sophia, Oct. 
2011Crossing the completed bridge on South US 311 in October 2011. Completion of the roadbed to connect with the highway constructed east of US 311 had to wait until the railroad bridge, on the right, was complete. (10/13/11)


Photo of progress constructing US 311 bridge over future I-74 freeway in 
Sophia, Oct. 2010Progress in completing the US 311 interchange bridge over future I-74 a year earlier in October 2010. Concrete had been placed and covered over for curing. (10/3/10)


Photo of progress constructing US 311 bridge over future I-74 freeway in 
Sophia, Aug. 2010Equipment for placing re-bar on future bridge to allow for concrete pouring in August 2010. Equipment first needed to be cleared off before the entire road alignment could be graded. (8/29/10)


Photo of progress constructing US 311 bridge over future I-74 freeway in 
Sophia, Aug. 2010View of excavation between future and current US 311 alignments. The supports at right were used in constructing a temporary railroad bridge along the old US 311 after the highway bridge is complete, to allow rail traffic to continue while the roadbed was excavated for the new railroad bridge. (8/29/10)


Photo of progress constructing US 311 bridge over future I-74 freeway in 
Sophia, Aug. 2010A closer look at the bridge undergoing rebar placement in anticipation of the pouring of concrete for the bridge deck. (8/29/10)


Photo of progress constructing US 311 bridge over future I-74 freeway in 
Sophia, July 2010The view from a month earlier, pipes for drainage are to be installed as work continues on grading the bridge approaches. (7/24/10)


Photo of progress clearing area of future US 311 bridge over I-74 freeway
in Sophia, May 2010Progress in clearing the future US 311 roadway and bridge alignment earlier in May 2010, the view is looking east. (5/9/10)


Photo of large dirt piles placed at future US 311 interchange area from soils 
excavated for future I-74 freewayThis pile of dirt is what has been excavated from the Branson Davis and Walker Mill Roads area next to future I-74 westbound off-ramps. This place I assume was chosen to dump the soil for its easy access to US 311 when it was taken away in late 2012. (7/28/12)


Photo showing progress in building exit ramps at US 311 for interchange with 
future I-74 freeway, June 2012View from the future on-ramps in June prior to the dirt piles, showing paved lanes heading toward Walker Mill Rd. (6/10/12)


Photo showing progress in building exit ramps at US 311 for interchange 
with future I-74 freeway, Aug. 2010View looking north from current US 311 in August 2010 showing progress in clearing and grading future freeway and interchange. (8/29/10)


Photo showing progress in building exit ramps at US 311 for interchange 
with future I-74 freeway, Nov. 2009A similar view from the fall of 2009. This intersection of US 311 and Wall Brothers Road would be the location of the future off-ramp from I-74 East. Wall Brothers Road was relocated in early 2010 to the west (north) and ties into what is the new alignment of US 311 just south of the new bridge. (11/8/09)


Photo showing view south of railroad bridge along graded alignment of future 
I-74 freeway in Sophia, Aug. 2012View looking south from railroad bridge showing progress in grading I-74 roadbed. A paved section starts toward the top of the photo and continues until just before Plainfield Rd. (8/1/12)


Photo of progress constructing US 311 bridge over future I-74 freeway in 
Sophia, July 2010View looking west toward the bridge along the future US 311 alignment in October 2010. (10/3/10)


Photo of progress constructing US 311 bridge over future I-74 freeway in 
Sophia, Aug. 2010View of equipment and progress in creating the new road alignment west of the future bridge in the summer of 2010. (8/29/10)


Photo of progress constructing roadbed near US 311 bridge over future I-74 
freeway in Sophia, Aug. 2012View across the US 311 bridge to the existing I-74 freeway roadbed. Truck proceeding south has more soil for the dirt piles. Roadbed was paved north of the I-74 west on-ramp. (8/1/12)


Photo of progress constructing US 311 bridge over future I-74 freeway in 
Sophia, July 2010A view from existing US 311 to the north a couple years earlier showing progress in building the future bridge in July 2010. (7/24/10)


Photo of progress grading roadway near US 311 bridge over future I-74 freeway 
in Sophia, July 2010Progress in grading the area around the interchange in March 2010. (3/10/10)


Photo of first construction project at US 311 interchange involving the 
movement of water pipelines, Oct. 2009A look at the construction at the future interchange site from the opposite direction in October 2009. An e-mail from a resident and a check of the plans confirmed they were moving the utilities in order to construct the interchange with existing US 311.(1) (10/12/09)


Photo of 'End Construction' sign put up along US 311 in Sophia in advance of 
I-74 freeway construction, Oct. 2009The view at the end of the construction zone along North US 311 in Sophia at the start of the interchange project. (10/12/09)


Photo of first excavation work for US 311 interchange of future I-74 
freeway in Sophia, Nov. 2009The start of excavation can be seen back in November 2009 behind what was the pipeline relocation construction seen a month before. (11/8/09)


Photo of first construction project at US 311 interchange involving the 
movement of water pipelines, Sept. 2009This shows the first appearance of construction equipment to move a pipeline in September 2009. This was approximately where the new freeway is to cross existing US 311. (9/18/09)


Photo of construction sign placed on US 311 at beginning of interchange 
construction in Sept. 2009This road work ahead sign had appeared along US 311 on the way through Sophia in September 2009.(9/18/09)


VI. Plainfield Road

A bridge is being built here to carry the road over I-74/US 311. Work on the bridge started about the same time as the US 311 bridge, in the fall of 2009. The bridge was completed in the spring of 2011. Work started in May 2011 to connect the existing roadway to the new bridge, the bridge was opened to traffic in July.

Photo showing driving over the completed Plainfield Rd Bridge over the future 
I-74 freeway near Randleman in Oct. 2011Approaching the completed Plainfield Road Bridge from the east in October 2011. (10/13/11)


Photo of work in grading the freeway roadbed under the Plainfield Road Bridge 
in Aug. 2012View of the work proceeding under the completed bridge in August 2012. Photo taken from one of the two high berms that have been placed on either side of the freeway. (8/1/12)


Photo of Progress Grading future I-74 freeway from west side of Plainfield 
Road Bridge in Oct. 2011View of the completed bridge from the western side in October 2011 showing progress in grading the freeway roadbed underneath. (10/13/11)


Photo showing completed center support for Plainfield Rd Bridge over the 
future I-74 freeway in Oct. 2010View of center bridge support for Plainfield Road bridge, bottom covered by water during rainy fall of 2010. (10/3/10)


Photo showing progress building center supports for Plainfield Rd Bridge 
over the future I-74 freeway in Aug. 2010Work on bridge piers earlier in the summer of 2010. Note few differences from above with rain slowing construction. (8/29/10)


Photo of view south of Plainfield Rd Bridge showing progress in completing the
 future I-74 freeway in Aug. 2012View of roadbed to the south of the Plainfield Rd bridge showing potential final asphalt layer and the installation of guardrails in the summer of 2012. (8/1/12)


Photo of view south of Plainfield Rd Bridge showing progress in completing the
 future I-74 freeway in July 2012Similar view from a month and 1/2 earlier, prior to guard rail placement, the Heath Dairy Rd bridge is in the distance. (6/10/12)


Photo of view south of Plainfield Rd Bridge showing progress in completing 
the  future I-74 freeway in Oct. 2011View south of the bridge 10 months earlier showing completion of a parallel roadway on the right to service the farm located on the west side of Old Courthouse Road whose connection (road with equipment on hill) to the current US 311 was cut off in the summer of 2011. (10/13/11)


Photo of view south of Plainfield Rd Bridge showing progress in 
grading the future I-74 freeway roadbed in Oct. 2010View south of the bridge a year earlier showing progress in building the connection (road with equipment on hill) to the farm to replace access to be cut off in the summer of 2011. (10/3/10)


Photo of view south of Plainfield Rd Bridge showing progress in grading the 
future I-74 freeway roadbed in Aug. 2010View south of the bridge two months earlier showing pre-existing asphalt path for equipment building the service roadway described above, along with progress in grading future I-74 at that time. (8/29/10)


Photo showing progress in building the western support for the Plainfield 
Rd bridge in Oct. 2010Progress in constructing the western bridge support as of October 2010. Work had apparently been stopped to allow for area to completely dry out. (10/3/10)


Photo of the progress in grading the future I-74 under the Plainfied Rd bridge
near Randleman, Aug. 2012View from bridge itself showing grading work proceeding with the placement of gravel layers on future eastbound roadway. (8/1/12)


Photo of view north of Plainfield Rd Bridge showing progress in completing the 
future I-74 freeway roadbed in Aug. 2012View north of the Plainfield Rd Bridge in August 2012 showing progress in final grading and initial paving of roadbed. (8/1/12)


Photo of view north of Plainfield Rd Bridge showing progress in grading the 
future I-74 freeway roadbed in June 2012A similar view northwest from June 2012 showing grading work proceeding. (6/10/12)


Photo of view north of Plainfield Rd Bridge showing progress in grading the 
future I-74 freeway roadbed in Oct. 2011View north of Plainfield Road 10 months earlier in October 2011 showing new access road and progress in grading freeway roadbed. (10/13/11)


Photo of view north of Plainfield Rd Bridge showing progress in grading 
the future I-74 freeway roadbed in Oct. 2010View of progress in clearing the future freeway path north of Planfield Road the year before. A small hill of construction fill was placed here in the spring of 2011, to act as a berm between freeway and local residences. (10/3/10)


Photo of view north of Plainfield Rd Bridge showing progress in grading the 
future I-74 freeway roadbed in Aug. 2010View of progress in clearing the future freeway path north of Planfield Road a couple months earlier. (8/29/10)


VII. Heath Dairy Road

NCDOT constructed a bridge over the I-74/ US 311 freeway for a new alignment of Heath Dairy Road from 2009 to early 2011. Houses bypassed by the new alignment are now located on 'Old Heath Dairy Road'. While the bridge was opened in June 2011, it was basically complete in the fall of 2010, however not until May 2011 was blacktop being put down on the future road alignment to tie the existing roadway to the new bridge so it could be used. The view southeast of the bridge provides a good look at the progress in completing the US 220 interchange a 1/2 mile away.

Photo of view south of Heath Dairy Road Bridge showing overhead signs now in 
place for US 220 interchange on future I-74 freeway near Randleman, Aug. 2012View from the Heath Dairy Rd bridge looking east toward interchange with US 220 (I-73) in August 2012 showing the near completion of this section of I-74 complete with overhead signs in place. (8/1/12)


Photo of view south of Heath Dairy Road Bridge showing overhead signs now in 
place for US 220 interchange (Exit 86) on future I-74 freeway near Randleman, July 2012A closeup view of the exit signs placed in July 2012 clearly identifying the I-73 North as Exit 86. (7/28/12)


Photo of view south of Heath Dairy Road Bridge showing overhead signs being 
installed at US 220 interchange on future I-74 freeway near Randleman, July 2012Here's a similar view, taken a 2 weeks before, the shields for the I-73/US 220 North exit sign had not been installed. (7/15/12)


Photo of view south of Heath Dairy Road Bridge showing start of overhead sign 
installation for US 220 interchange on future I-74 freeway near Randleman, June 2012Similar view from the bridge in early June showing the start of overhead sign installation. (6/10/12)


Photo of view south of Heath Dairy Road Bridge showing progress in placing 
pavement for future I-74 freeway near Randleman, Oct. 2011View from completed bridge looking east eight months earlier in October 2011 showing progress in completing the paving of the roadbed. (10/13/11)


Photo of nearly completed Heath Dairy Rd Bridge over future I-74 freeway 
near Randleman in Oct. 2010View of the nearly completed Heath Dairy Road bridge in October 2010. Equipment below is digging the final alignment for the future I-74 freeway. (10/3/10)


Photo of under construction Heath Dairy Rd Bridge over future I-74 freeway
near Randleman in Aug. 2010The bridge as it appeared in August 2010, all but the sides to the bridge had apparently been completed. (8/29/10)


Photo of view south from under the Heath Dairy Road Bridge showing 
progress in constructing the US 220 interchange for future I-74 freeway near Randleman, Oct. 2010View looking southeast from under the Heath Valley Road bridge, the mounds in the distance are at the future interchange with US 220 (see more below). (10/3/10)


Photo of view south from under the Heath Dairy Road Bridge showing 
progress in constructing the US 220 interchange for future I-74 freeway near Randleman, Aug. 2010Same view looking southeast a couple months earlier, the equipment in the distance are being used to construct the interchange with US 220. (8/29/10)


Photo of view north from the Heath Dairy Road Bridge showing the progress in 
constructing the future I-74 freeway roadbed near Randleman, Aug. 2012View northwest of the bridge in August 2012 showing installation of guardrail in progress work proceeding from Plainfield Rd. Unknown where dirt for piles in future eastbound roadway came from. (8/1/12)


Photo of view north from the Heath Dairy Road Bridge showing the progress in 
constructing the future I-74 freeway near Randleman, June 2012View from the bridge six weeks earlier showing progress in paving prior to guardrail installation. (6/10/12)



Photo of view north from the Heath Dairy Road Bridge toward Plainfield 
Road showing the progress in constructing the future I-74 freeway near Randleman, Oct. 2010View looking northwest from opposite the Heath Dairy Road bridge the year before in October 2010. The Plainfield Road bridge site can be seen in the distance. (10/3/10)


Photo of Heath Dairy Road bridge under construction over future I-74 
freeway near Randleman in Oct. 2010View of exterior wall pieces after placement on the Heath Dairy Road bridge. (10/3/10)


Photo of Heath Dairy Road bridge under construction over future I-74 
freeway near Randleman in Oct. 2010Closeup of west side bridge support, angled instead of vertical east side, for the new alignment of Heath Dairy Road. (10/3/10)


Photo approaching Heath Dairy Road bridge from the west showing roadbed 
still under construction over future I-74 freeway near Randleman in Oct. 2011View along completed roadway connecting to Heath Dairy Road bridge from west. Equipment still working on future freeway lanes can be seen to the right. (10/13/11)


Photo approaching Heath Dairy Road bridge from the west showing roadbed 
still under construction over future I-74 freeway near Randleman in Oct. 2011View of bridge from the west showing progress in building the future alignment for the bridge a year earlier. When this bridge was opened in June 2011, the old road to the right remained to access the residences on the west side of the freeway. The road was renamed 'Old Heath Dairy Road.' (10/3/10)


VIII.The US 220 Interchange

Construction on this part of the project was almost complete in the summer of 2012. In August 2009 jersey barriers went up and construction equipment appeared along US 220 between the current US 311 exit and the Pineview Street exit.

Photo of Road Construction Ahead signs put up at US 311 interchange on US
 220 South at start of I-74 interchange construction, Sept. 2009 Road construction signs can be seen from the on-ramp from US 311 to US 220 South (Future I-73/74). (9/18/09)


Photo of lane restrictions put up for future I-74 interchange on US 220 
South at start of I-74 interchange construction, Sept. 2009The signs indicate the placement of barriers along the right shoulder (they are on the left too, but not mentioned) where the ramps to and from I-74 will be built. (9/18/09)


Photo of progress building future West I-74 exit ramp from US 220 in Randleman 
in October 2011Approaching the future interchange with I-74 in October 2011, future WB I-74 onramp on right (10/13/11)


Photo of progress building future West I-74 exit ramp from US 220 in 
Randleman in October 2010Approaching the intersection site a year earlier in the fall of 2010. The beginnings of the graded future ramp to I-74 West can be seen on the right. (10/3/10)


Photo of progress building future West I-74 exit ramp from US 220 in 
Randleman in Aug. 2010Work had just started on the I-74 offramp and the girders for the flyover bridge deck had been placed in this photo from August 2010. (8/29/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 South in 
Randleman, Oct. 2011The two ramps over US 220 as seen in October 2011, ramps appear near completion with the exception of side railings. (10/13/11)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 South in 
Randleman, Oct. 2010A year earlier, the recently completed bridge decks for the I-74 ramps can be seen from US 220 South in the fall of 2010. (10/3/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 flyover ramp from US 220 South in 
Randleman, Oct. 2011The nearly completed I-74 Westbound Flyover Ramp from US 220 (I-73) South in October 2011. (10/13/11)


Photo of progress building future I-74 West flyover ramp from US 220 
South in Randleman, Oct. 2010Heading under the future flyover ramp for I-74 west in October 2010. Due to cost concerns the previous ramp, which was also to be a flyover was changed to a bridge carrying traffic to US 220 (I-73) North along a tight cloverleaf ramp. (10/3/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 South in 
Randleman, Oct. 2011A closer look at the progress in placing the girders for the I-74 ramp bridges in the summer of 2010. (8/29/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 flyover ramp bridge from US 220 
South in Randleman, Aug. 2010A closer look at the progress in building the I-74 West flyover ramp bridge in August 2010. (8/29/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 flyover ramp bridges from US 220 South in 
Randleman, July 2010Approaching the flyover ramp construction area a month earlier, prior to the building of the I-74 east to I-73 north flyover ramp bridge deck. (7/24/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 South 
in Randleman, July 2010Going back a month further showing progress on building the bridge supports from both ramp bridges across US 220 in July 2010. (7/24/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 South in 
Randleman, May 2010Approaching the area earlier in May 2009, showing progress on building the two interchange bridges and ramps. (5/9/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 South in 
Randleman, Oct. 2010View approaching the construction zone a month earlier, note progress on the right side bridges compared to that in the photo below. (4/11/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 South in 
Randleman, May 2010Closeup view of the west side of the second bridge for the ramp to I-73 (US 220) North in May 2010, note the grading behind the bridge support structure. (5/9/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 West flyover ramp from US 220 
South in Randleman, April 2010A close look a month earlier at the I-74 West Flyover ramp, this ramp will go both over US 220 and the bridge carrying traffic to I-73 north (4/11/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridge to US 220 North in 
Randleman, Apr. 2010A closer look at the second ramp going southbound, notice this is lower and made of concrete blocks, as opposed to the metal work in the previous bridge support (4/11/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 North in 
Randleman, Oct. 2011Approaching the future interchange along US 220 Northbound in October 2011. Note ramp to flyover bridge has been fully graded. (10/13/11)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 North in 
Randleman, Oct. 2010Approaching the I-74 construction area a year earlier, in the fall of 2010. The future ramp carrying I-74 onto South US 220 (I-73) can be seen on the left. (10/3/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 North in 
Randleman, July 2010Progress in building the slope to carry the I-74 west ramp above US 220 to the flyover bridge in July 2010. (7/24/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 North in 
Randleman, July 2010Closeup of constructing the future I-74 West to US 220 (I-73) ramp bridge in July 2010. (7/24/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 North in 
Randleman, May 2010View of the construction site approaching on US 220 (I-73) North several months earlier in May 2010. (5/9/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 South in 
Randleman, Oct. 2011Approaching the nearly completed I-74 Flyover Ramp Bridge in October 2011. Future ramp to US 220 North in distance. (10/13/11)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 South in 
Randleman, Oct. 2011Closer look at future US 220 (I-73) Northbound off-ramp from I-74 East. Traffic to US 220 will circle around and merge using new third lane seen going under the bridge on the right. (10/13/11)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 North in 
Randleman, May 2010Closeup of the two bridge piers and progress on the northbound side of US 220 building the future interchange ramps a year and 1/2 earlier in May 2010. (5/9/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 South in 
Randleman, Mar. 2010The progress on the two piers for the flyover ramps in March, the crane is completing work on the second pier. (3/10/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 North in 
Randleman, Aug. 2010Looking at progress at creating the ramp to take I-74 West toward the flyover bridge from US 220 (I-73) North in August 2010. (8/29/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 exit ramp from US 220 South in 
Randleman, May 2010Progress in building up the grade for the I-74 East flyover ramp looking from US 220 Southbound in May 2010. (5/9/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 South in 
Randleman, July 2010The piers for the flyover bridges and the progress in land clearing for the I-74 to I-73 north on-ramps can be seen across the southbound US 220 lanes. (7/24/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 South 
in Randleman, Oct. 2009From six months earlier, the first piers for the flyover bridges and the initial phases of land clearing for the future on-ramps can be seen across the southbound US 220 lanes. (11/8/09)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 North 
in Randleman, Nov. 2009The cranes in the background used to help start construction of the piers for the flyover ramps in November 2009 as seen from North US 220. (11/8/09)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 North in 
Randleman, Oct. 2011Closer view northbound in October 2009 of construction equipment in the median before the start of construction of the 2 flyover ramps that will cross US 220 (I-73). (10/12/09)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 North in 
Randleman, Aug. 2010Progress in building the ramp bridges in the summer of 2010 from US 220 Northbound. (8/29/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges supports from US 220 
South in Randleman, Apr. 2010View of progress in interchange area as of April 2010, with the center supports for the two I-74 ramps in the distance. (4/11/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 South in 
Randleman, Mar. 2010The view of construction progress on the flyover ramps and interchange clearing in March 2010. (3/10/10)


Photo of progress clearing area for future I-74 exit ramps from US 220 
North in Randleman, Nov. 2009View northbound showing progress in clearing the construction zone a few months earlier in November 2009. (11/8/09)


Photo of progress clearing area for future I-74 ramp bridges from US 220 
South in Randleman, Sept. 2009Here is the construction area in September 2009 heading southbound with barriers on the shoulders surrounding the construction equipment that was then present. (9/18/09)


Photo of progress building future I-74 East ramp bridge to US 220 North 
in Randleman, Aug. 2010Closeup of progress in building bridge from I-74 East ramp to US 220 (I-73) North in the summer of 2010. (8/29/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 West flyover ramp from US 220 
North in Randleman, Apr. 2010View of progress on Westbound I-74 ramp to flyover bridge from southbound US 220 in April 2010. (4/11/10)


Photo of progress building future I-74 West flyover ramp from US 220 North 
in Randleman, Mar. 2010View of progress a month earlier in March 2010 in creating northbound ramp to flyover bridge heading northbound. (3/10/10)


Photo of progress clearing land for future I-74 exit ramp bridges to US 
220 North in Randleman, Sept. 2009Six months earlier you could see the start of the removal of trees across the road along the northbound roadway. Land needed to be cleared for the I-74 West on-ramp and the flyover ramp to US 220 (I-73) North. (9/18/09)


Photo of progress clearing land for future I-74 exit ramp bridges from US 
220 North in Randleman, Sept. 2009Progress in tree removal in September 2009 and construction equipment can be seen better looking across toward the northbound lanes of the highway. (9/18/09)


Photo of progress building future I-74 West flyover ramp from US 220 North 
in Randleman, Oct. 2009View going northbound in October 2009 showing progress in building what will be the flyover ramp taking I-74 West to High Point, this is same area seen in the photo above in September. (10/12/09)


Photo of progress grading future I-74 exit ramps from US 220 North 
in Randleman, Oct. 2011View beyond interchange bridges on US 220 North showing landscaping and grading for new on-ramp nearly complete. (10/13/11)


Photo of progress grading future I-74 exit ramps from US 220 North 
in Randleman, Oct. 2009View two years earlier in October 2009 of same construction area which will be for the off-ramp from I-74 East to I-73 North (10/12/09)


Photo of end construction zone sign on US 220 South before the Pineview 
St exit ramp near Randleman in Sept. 2009The construction zone ends southbound just before the Pineview Street bridge, the zone is about two miles in size. (9/18/09)