Future
in
NC
Interstate 42 is
a 137 mile planned interstate route from I-40 south of Raleigh to
Morehead City mostly along existing US 70. AASHTO gave approval to the
number in May 2016, though originally NCDOT asked that the route be
designated I-36, after the corridor was granted interstate status under
the 2015 Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Highway Act. The
first two completed segments of I-42, the Clayton and Goldsboro
Bypasses, could be signed in 2023 or 2024. Here's the corridor map as
submitted in its AASHTO application:1
This page will
summarize the progress in building and signing the route from west to
east. While two segments will receive I-42 signage in 2022, the
projected completion date for the entire route is 2032.2 I've
broken the route into 8 segments with a description of the progress of
constructing I-42 in each. As of January 2023, 2 Segments are Complete:
Segment 1 (Updated 4/22/24)
US 70 Clayton
Bypass
Road Type:
Interstate Standard Freeway Length:
10.0 Miles
Status: Complete
[Except for I-42 Signage]
This segment could be signed as I-42 today as it is Interstate standard.
NCDOT got approval from AASHTO at its Fall 2021 meeting for it to be
signed as I-42 from I-40 to US 70 Business, conditioned on FHWA approval.
The FHWA granted its approval in March 2022. According to a press release
by NCDOT a timeline for the signing of I-42 was to be released later in
2022.3 However, 2022 ended without an announcement. I made an
inquiry to NCDOT via their website in early 2023 and got this response
about the potential timeline for signing the Clayton Bypass:
"Hi, we are working to include this upcoming signage change with what
also will be needed as part of the ongoing I-40 widening from MM 300-312
and NC 540 project that will have a major interchange in this same
vicinity. We are looking to finalize that signing contract later this
year."4
Following up, I got another response with more details about the
possible removal of US 70 from the Bypass:
"This is in
reference to your contact us inquiry concerning the routing of US 70 and
I-42 in Johnston, Wayne and Lenior Counties. We will begin the process
of acquiring resolutions and completing AASHTO applications to gain
permission to return US 70 onto it’s original route through Clayton. As
with any project, engineering plans are needed for construction
including signing modifications. The signing plans are currently in
production."5
In October 2023 NCDOT held a public meeting in the Clayton area for a
proposal to renumber NC 42 in most of Johnston County to NC 36 to reduce
driver confusion. This, and the removal of US 70 from the Bypass to
its former route through Clayton (currently US 70 Business) was to take
place before I-42 could be signed. The article indicated this now may be
less than a year away, putting it into 2024.6 Here is a map of
the proposal, note that only parts of NC 42 would be renumbered, not most
of the route further east and west from I-42, and the part of the NC 36
route would use I-42 between the current NC 42 and Ranch Road exits:7
In its Fall 2023 meeting, the Special Committee on US Route Numbering of
AASHTO approved the move of US 70 from the Clayton Bypass back to its
original alignment through Clayton.7 Here is the map
showing the new (old) route sent as part of the application:
Meanwhile, NCDOT announced on June 23, 2022 that the ramp from US 70 to
I-40 East would permanently close on July 6 as part of the NC 540
Extension 'Turbine Interchange' project. This may also have something to
do with the signing plans for I-42 being delayed as the detour route used
NC 42 and might have caused confusion, the ramp was to be re-opened in
September 2023, however this was pushed back to December 31 and was still
not complete in the new year. A March 1, 2024 traffic camera image still
shows US 70 on I-40 exit signs, same view seen in April:
Other photos from this segment are in the Photos section below.
Drive
this Segment watching two New Videos from RoadwayWiz from Summer
2021: Eastbound
Westbound
Segment 2 (Updated 3/22/24)
US 70 from End of
Clayton Bypass to Beginning of US 70 Goldsboro Bypass (includes Bypass
US 70 in Smithfield)
Road Type: 4-lane
Divided Roadway with some Freeway Sections Length:
22.5 Miles
Status: Needs
Upgrade to Interstate Status
There are two funded projects and one feasibility study underway to
upgrade this section of US 70:
The first will upgrade 5 miles of US 70 to Interstate Standards from US
70 Business to the Neuse River Bridge (W-5600) , NCDOT will replace the
current US 70 intersections with Wilson Mills Road and Swift Creek Road
with interchanges starting in the spring of 2021. Originally the plan was
to award the contract in September 2020, however, due to COVID funding
issues, the contract letting was postponed until March 2021 but work
started on May 12. As of March 15, 2024 the project was 3/4 done, at 75.1%
complete, though it was 75% in December 2023 and progress went down in the
2 months following.8 The plan is to have US 70 be carried on a
bridge over Wilson Mills Road while a bridge will carry Swift Creek Road
over US 70. A connector road paralleling US 70 between the two roads will
also be built. The total cost for the Wilson Mills interchanges is
estimated at $77 million and the project is scheduled to be completed by
the end of 2024, though the official completion date in March 14, 2025.9
Here's a map of the project area:10
NCDOT advertised the W-5600 contract on January 16, 2021. Among the sign
plans included those for the new exit signs for Swift Creek and Wilson
Mills Road, along with the new signs for the Business 70 exit westbound:11
The second project will upgrade US 70 to Interstate Standards in
Princeton Area (R-5829AB) from US 70A to the Goldsboro Bypass as Design
Build Projects. Part A to start in 2025, Part B in 2028.*
Here's a map of the project area:12
A Feasibility Study (FS-1604A) was published in August 2018 for
determining how to upgrade the remaining section between the Neuse River
Bridge and Smithfield. It split the segment into 4 sections and compared
the cost of simply upgrading shoulders to a complete upgrade to interstate
standards of the existing route. The upgrade option was the preferred
alternative, though they suggested maybe simply upgrading shoulders could
get the route signed as I-42 for Sections 1 and 2, that is from the end of
the Clayton Bypass to Creech's Mill Road in Smithfield (includes I-95
interchange) . Here's a Link
to the Report. Construction Date TBD. Here's a map of the study
area:13
There are also several pavement upgrade projects for US 70 in Johnston
County which may be part of I-42, depending on what final alignment is
chosen, including a project C204333 (TIP No. I-6044) that will, as part of
the project, reconstruct US 70 Bypass and other portions of US 70. Here is
a map of the project area and 2 of the 4 work zones, work started in
August 2019 and was scheduled to be completed in October 2020, the project
no longer appeared on NCDOT's Construction Progress Report website as of
November 2020:14
Here's the
typical section plan showing shoulders varying from 2 to 10 feet.
Rumble strips will also be added to Bypass 70 section, the only
section that is currently a freeway:15
Segment 3 (Updated 4/22/24)
US 70 Goldsboro
Bypass and US 70 to NC 903 in LaGrange
Road Type:
Interstate Standard Freeway Length: 21.6 Miles
Status: Complete
[Except for I-42 Signage, expected in 2022]
According to Jim Dunlop, a NCDOT sign engineer, an application was sent
to AASHTO in the fall of 2021 regarding signing the Goldsboro Bypass as
I-42.16 On February 13, 2022 the applications were finally
posted on the AASHTO Special Committee on US Route Numbering website.17
The application for the Goldsboro Bypass was approved, along with the
Clayton Bypass (Segment 1), pending approval also by the FHWA. Despite a
Super 70 Commission Director reporting in his January/February 2019
message that the FHWA has approved signing the Goldsboro Bypass as I-42,18
NCDOT engineer Dunlop indicated they had not done so as of the
summer of 2021. It was announced again by the Super 70/I-42 Group at a
meeting on March 16, 2022. This time NCDOT issued a press release
indicating the approval of both the Goldsboro and Clayton Bypasses as
I-42.1 The press release indicated a timetable for the
placement of I-42 signs would be released later in the year, however 2022
came and went without any further word on the signing of I-42. Maybe in
2023? Unlike for the Clayton Bypass, there are no current or known future
projects listed at either the state or division level related to I-42
signage. There was an application to AASHTO about removing a US 70 Bypass
designation that was approved at their May 19, 2022 meeting, but the
information did not include which Bypass. Some conjectured this must be
the Goldsboro Bypass since removing the Bypass 70 shields would simplify
the amount of sign changes needed to sign it as an interstate. This was
confirmed in a January 31, 2023 email I received from NCDOT which
specifically stated "Since the portion of what was US 70 Bypass is now
approved as an Interstate, there is no need to have a concurrent route
following the same pavement. Removal of the US Bypass route allows for
simplification of the signs and messaging."5 The email,
however, gave no date for when I-42 signs would go up and a poster to the
AARoads Forum in early December 2023 indicated no change in route signage.
A check of traffic cameras along the Bypass still showed it signed as
Bypass US 70 as of April 22, and exit numbers has not changed by March 20:
In the distance you can somewhat make out a Bypass US 70 reassurance
marker on the right.
The exit for NC
581 still sports the US 70 Mile 351 exit number.
Here is a newer image from April 16, 2024 (now somewhat worse for wear,
seen by checking the traffic camera at MM 351):
And traffic camera images from January to April 2024 still show US 70
mileage exit numbers along the Bypass, including at the I-795 exit:
Segment 4 (Updated 6/7/23)
Existing US 70
from NC 903 in LaGrange to the to be built Kinston 'Shallow' Bypass and
along an upgraded US 70 to Dover
Road Type:
Upgrade to Interstate Freeway (part to be built on new location)
Length: 21.1 Miles
Status:
Construction was to start in 2020 (US 70 Freeway) and 2027 (Bypass),
however due to COVID-19 related budget shortfalls, the projects now do
not have an official start date, most likely not until after 2033, since
projects related to the Bypass and surrounding roads were all listed as
'Not Funded' in the Final 2024-2033 State TIP released on June 6, 2023.19
New-In June 2022
NCDOT posted a press release indicating a new website had been created
to provide a '3D view' of the Kinston Bypass, though the construction
date has yet to be announced (see below). You can use the website to
take a Virtual
Tour of the Bypass.
In April 2018, NCDOT announced 12 possible alternative routes for the
Kinston Bypass Project (R-2553) that will run from the end of the US 70
Goldsboro Bypass near LaGrange to the beginning of the US 70 freeway in
Dover. Here was a map of the possible alternatives:20
NCDOT held a public hearing in Kinston on August 31, 2019 allowing the
public to weigh in on the possible routings. Many Lenoir County businesses
and officials supported the 'Shallow Bypass' or Alternative 1SB which
would have the Bypass follow existing US 70 for 14.6 of the 21.1 miles in
this segment, the remainder would be on a new 6.5 mile bypass close to the
existing US 70 and its businesses. NCDOT selected this as the Preferred
Alternative in 2020.
Here's a map of the chosen alternative:
The pre-COVID timeline for the project was for right-of-way acquisition
to start in 2023, presuming the environmental impact statement was
approved in 2021. Construction would then have started in 2027. This has
now been changed, the Final EIS is to be released in the winter of 2022,
right-of-way acquisition now will start in 2026 with the construction date
still to be determined. The western section of the bypass follows current
U.S. 70 for approximately 7 miles to just east of NC 148 (CF Harvey
Parkway). Interchanges would be located at Willie Measley/Jim Sutton
roads, Albert Sugg/Barwick Station roads, and NC 148. A new
interchange east of NC 148 would provide access to the new shallow bypass
section, which would be parallel existing U.S. 70 to the south for
approximately 6.5 miles. Interchanges along the Bypass would be located at
NC 11/NC 55, US 258 (South Queen Street), and at NC 58 (Trenton Highway).
A new interchange east of Lenoir Community College would connect the
shallow bypass back to existing U.S. 70. The bypass would then follow
existing U.S. 70 to the end of the project near Dover, upgrading US 70 to
a freeway with interchanges at Wyse Fork /Caswell Station Roads and Old
U.S. 70 (West Kornegay Street) in Dover.21 Meanwhile, a
project that will resurface and upgrade 3.1 miles of the existing US 70
freeway to Interstate Standards from the Bear Creek Bridge at the end of
the Goldsboro Bypass to Willie Measley Road east of LaGrange (Project
I-6034) was to be let in September 2019, but in July 2019 that was pushed
back to March 2020, the project then disappeared from the March 2020
Letting list in February, also a COVID related postponement.
Segment 5 (Updated 8/2/21)
US 70 Freeway
from Dover to New Bern
Road Type:
Freeway Length: 26.1 Miles
Status: Needed
Upgrade to Interstate Status, Complete of as March 2021 [Except for I-42
Signage]
NCDOT awarded a contract in the Spring of 2019 to repave and widen US 70
to interstate standards along the existing freeway between Dover and the
Neuse River Bridge in New Bern. Work was completed in the spring of 2021.
July 2020 Google Maps Street View images show that all of the US 70
shoulder work has been completed, work is now proceeding on upgrading exit
and entrance ramps, the last to be completed were in the New Bern area.
Here's a map of the project location:22
Signing of the section as I-42 cannot occur until the Kinston Bypass and
related construction to the east are completed.
See the
completion of shoulder widening in Photos section below.
Segment 6 (Updated 4/22/24)
US 70 Neuse
River Bridge to Havelock Bypass
Road Type:
4-lane Divided Roadway Length: 13.7 Miles
Status: Needs
Upgrade/New Construction to Interstate Freeway
A 2-Part Project: First is from Neuse River Bridge to Thurman Road,
(U-5713/R-5777AB, 5.1 Miles). Start of Construction-2019 Completion was
originally set for September 2023, however earlier in that year the
estimated date was moved to December 2024 (Design/Build Project was
awarded in September 2019) and work started on October 22, 2019. As
of March 22, 2024, nearly four 1/2 years later, work is just now over 2/5
complete at 41.5%.23 Part of contract that is creating
interchange at Thurman Road already under construction along with another
interchange with Glen Burnie Road. An NCDOT press release on November 29,
2023 indicated work had been completed on 1 roundabout at the future
Grantham Road exit, while another one was near completion. Two-way
frontage roads served by roundabouts had been completed and will be used
as temporary roadways once work starts on building the interchange. The
two direction frontage road design was supported by residents over one-way
roads, according to NCDOT engineer Jim Dunlop, because they allowed easier
access to current US 70 businesses. The roundabouts were not originally
supported, however NCDOT engineers convinced residents they would produce
fewer land takings for the project.24 For images of progress
from March 2024, see Segment 6 photos.
Other work at the north end of the project had not yet begun as of July
2023, however the November press release indicated that similar work is
proceeding at different times along the length of the work zone. Work at
the four other intersections (Williams Road, Airport Road, Taberna Way,
and Thurman Road) will continue into 2024. Construction is estimated to be
complete by the spring of 2025.25
Map of Project Corridor:26
Second is Thurman Road to Havelock Bypass (R-5777C, 8.6 Miles)
including construction of service roads. The Letting date for the contract
was delayed in February 2020 from June to November 2020 due to design
issues and was then put on hold for 2 years more due to funding issues.
The project was let as a Design-Build contract on January 17, 2023,
delayed from August 16, 2022. On February 1, 2023 NCDOT posted a press
release indicating the $242 million contract had been awarded and that
after plans are designed and approved, construction could start in early
2024.27 Construction would then take an additional 4 years, to
June 2028, the project is listed as of March 31, 2024 as 11.0% complete.28
According to the press release, the interstate standard freeway will have
exits at Statley Pine Road, Fisher Avenue and Camp Kiro Road.
There was also a separate project to create the Slocum Gate Interchange
along US 70 at Cherry Point MCAS - this was completed in March 2020 but is
located east of the future start of the Bypass.
Segment 7 (Updated 4/15/24)
US 70 Havelock
Bypass
Road Type:
Unbuilt Freeway Length: 10.1 Miles
Status:
Construction Started on August 30, 2019. Project to be completed by May
2025.
Bypass Location Map:28
On August 1, 2019, NCDOT awarded the $167.2 million contract to build
the Bypass to Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc. of Wilmington, NC. Work
started on August 30, 2019 and as of March 22, 2024 was over 3/4 complete
at 77.9%. Work started in February 2023 to tie in the western end of the
Bypass to the existing US 70 roadway causing temporary closure of several
roads.29 The listed completion date is now less than a month
away, on May 13, 2024, though the NCDOT project site, not updated
recently, states it won't be completed until the end of the year.30 On
April 10, 2024 a report on the WCTI website indicated NCDOT has delayed
the opening to the spring of 2025 citing delays due to weather. 31
Segment 8 (Updated 2/4/24)
US 70 from end
of Havelock Bypass to Morehead City
Road Type:
Mostly 4-lane divided Length: Approx. 11
Miles
Status: Need
Upgrade to Interstate Freeway
There is some uncertainty as to the building of the last I-42 segment.
There were no projects beyond the Havelock Bypass listed in the 2024-2033
STIP released in June 2023. Some doubt I-42 will make it through the city
to the bridge due to the difficulty in constructing an interstate through
an urban area. There have been proposals though to create other possible
routes around it however. In 2020 Craven County released its Comprehensive
Transportation Plan (adopted in 2023).34 It suggested that I-42
use the proposed Northern Carteret Bypass (map below) that would meet US
70 at the eastern end of the Havelock Bypass [see Map in Segment 7] and
largely parallel NC 101 to Beaufort, northeast of Morehead City. A
feasibility study for the Bypass was published in 1999 with additional
alternatives studied in 2009. Despite it being given a STIP number,
R-4431, and supported in the Carteret County Comprehensive Traffic Plan in
2013 (a new report is pending), the project has not been funded since
being dropped from the 2012-2020 NCDOT STIP due to a low prioritization
score.35
A news report by a public radio station in Morehead City in February
2023 indicated that due to the probable difficulty of building an
interstate highway through the city of Newport along US 70, the NC 101
corridor could be used, this would take the path of I-42 more to the north
east, ending it in Beaufort as well. Morehead City bound traffic could
then take US 70 West from the end of the interstate.36 This
proposal was discussed in the article by a planner for the East Carolina
Council, not by NCDOT, therefore it is unknown whether it is seriously
being considered by the state agency. Unless funded, it could not be
constructed for at least another 10 years.
One project that was funded, rebuilding the Newport River Bridge from a
2-lane to 4-lane structure was to start in 2022, however it was then
removed from the STIP and did not reappear in the Final 2024-2033 released
in June 2023. Map showing the proposed location:32
Photos
Link to Photos taken along the I-42 Corridor by AARoads Forum Member Cowboy
Wilhelm in May 2022.
Segment 1 (Posted 11/24/23)
Google Maps
Street View images taking the new Turbine Interchange ramp from I-40
East to I-42 East, September 2023:
The overhead exit
sign for the US 70 (Future I-42) East exit from I-40 East in Garner.
Ramp heading
under new bridge built as part of NC 540 Triangle Expressway extension
project.
The start of the
new US 70 (Future I-42) East exit ramp, the old ramp went to the left.
View from the new
ramp heading towards the future ramp to Toll NC 540 West.
Triangle
Expressway style supports for the future overhead signs for split of the
US 70 (Future I-42) East and Toll NC 540 West. The blocked off lane to
the left is the future ramp from I-42 East, still under construction.
The overhead exit
sign for the US 70 (Future I-42) East exit from I-40 East in Garner.
The US 70 (Future
I-42) East ramp heading under the bridges for Toll NC 540 still under
construction.
Looking back
along the Future I-42 East ramp towards the NC 540 bridges under
construction.
The US 70 (Future
I-42) East ramp heading past the future turbine ramp to I-40 East.
Now approaching
the new bridge over I-40.
Crossing the new
bridge over I-40.
The ramp now
approaching the new bridge over the ramp that will carry NC 540 Toll
traffic to I-40 West.
Heading under the
I-40 ramp bridge, traffic from NC 540 will merge in from the left.
Now approaching
the new ramp from I-40 West to the Clayton Bypass.
The ramp reduced
to 2 lanes after the merge with the I-40 West ramp.
Google Maps
Street View images along US 70 West Clayton Bypass and I-40, September
2023
Recently placed
Triangle Expressway overhead sign supports for signs at the future split
of I-40 East and West ramps at the end of I-42 West.
The future I-40
East turbine ramp from I-42 West under construction as seen across from
I-40 West.
The turbine ramp
bridge from I-42 West under construction as seen along I-40 West.
Traffic camera
images of new Clayton Bypass signage on I-40, September to October 2023:
It will be simple
to change this new 2 Miles advance sign for the Clayton Bypass by
replacing the US 70 shield with one for I-42.
Changes to the
overhead signage at the current US 70 West/US 70 Business East exit ramp
will be more complicated. Do they simply remove the East US 70 and East
Business 70 references or replace the new signs entirely? Do the put up
a 'To I-42' overlay on the pull through sign?
Google Maps
Street View images of new signage along I-40 East in June to September
2023:
The new overhead
exit sign for US 70 East/Clayton Bypass, to be changed to I-42 within
the next year.
The new overhead
1 1/4 Miles advance sign for NC 42 within the NC 540 construction zone,
NCDOT plans to change the number to NC 36 prior to I-42 being signed.
EARLIER PHOTOS
Google Maps
Street View images from May 2023 on US 70 (Future I-42) West:
A Detour East
I-40 trailblazer stands next to the NC 42 exit sign indicating traffic
needs to exit there due to closed ramp at the end of the Bypass.
A covered 1 Mile
advance sign for the I-40 East exit ramp, currently closed due to NC
540/Triangle Expressway construction.
The covered over
1/2 Mile advance sign for I-40 East approaching the west end of the
Bypass.
A new ramp is
under construction for access to I-40 West to allow for the building of
the NC 540 Triangle Expressway "turbine" interchanges at the western end
of the Bypass.
The covered over
exit sign for East I-40 at the current ramp to I-40 West (US 70 to be
rerouted on current Business 70) at the end of the Bypass.
Earlier Photos
Taken along trip
along the Clayton Bypass heading east, and approaching on I-40 East, on
October 16, 2022:
The 1 mile
advance sign for the Clayton Bypass (Future I-42 East) exit, this sign
would be replaced by an overhead version as part of the I-40 widening
project later in the month:
The new sign does
not have any room for an additional I-42 shield, calling into question
whether the planned signing of the Clayton Bypass as an interstate will
happen anytime soon, perhaps by the end of 2023.
The gantry for
the new 1 mile advance sign in the process of being put up.
The existing sign
for the Clayton Bypass (Future I-42 East) exit, this was also replaced
by an overhead version later in the month.
Heading up the
ramp to the Clayton Bypass (Future I-42 East). Construction in the
distance as part of the extension of NC 540/Triangle Expressway toll
road which has temporarily removed access from US 70 West to I-40 East.
The first Future
I-42 sign at the beginning of the Clayton Bypass, compare this with
photo taken below of same sign in 2017:
Notice that both
'Begin' and 'Interstate' have been removed, as well as the word
'Interstate' in the shield itself. Done presumably at the FHWA's
request, since only actual interstate routes can have the official
shield. Of course, the FHWA has now approved the signing of the Bypass
as I-42 and the official shields are to be put up soon.
The first exit on
Future I-42/US 70 East is for NC 42 in Clayton. What confusion will this
cause? Traffic on US 70 West heading for I-40 East must use this exit
due to the closure of the ramp at I-40. This may be why the signing of
the Bypass as I-42 has been delayed. Perhaps NCDOT thought directing
people to follow NC 42 from I-42 to I-40 would cause to many problems. A
new ramp will open later this year.
The next exit, 3
miles further east, is for Ranch Road.
The last is for
Business 70, another 3 miles further east.
Heading west on
the Bypass in March 2017:
The End Future
I-42 sign is after the (Entering) Wake County sign at the western end of
the US 70 Clayton Bypass. This sign was taken down after work started on
the NC 540 Triangle Expressway in 2022.
Segment 2 (NEW
1/21/24)
Driving East
through Johnston County work zone, photos by David Johnson, 1/19/24:
View at the start
of the US 70 work zone beyond the Business 70 exit at the eastern end of
the Clayton Bypass.
Approaching the
still open Uzzie Industrial Drive intersection, completed section of
frontage road beyond which is now used for access to the NCDOT
maintenance yard.
View of the Swift
Creek Road bridge with deck now under construction in Wilson's Mills.
Approaching the
site of the future Wilson Mill's Road exit over completed I-42 East
roadbed.
US 70 traffic
using future Wilson's Mills Road exit ramp to get around I-42 bridge
construction.
View of the
future I-42/US 70 roadway and bridge over Wilson's Mills Road to the
left in the interchange construction zone.
Closer look along
the future Wilson's Mills Road exit ramp at current intersection with
traffic lights.
Median
construction underway beyond the current intersection with Wilson's
Mills Road.
EARLIER PHOTOS
Google Maps
Street View images driving US 70 West through Johnston County work zone,
September 2023
The start of the
work zone westbound is about 1/2 mile west of the Neuse River bridge
where the project is supposed to begin, the left intersection with
Turnage Road is now permanently closed.
The start of the
future frontage road beyond the still open intersection with Bear Farm
Road in Wilson's Mills.
The westbound
frontage road continues beyond the next intersection.
A westbound
portable VMS about the NCDOT facility at the next left. This
intersection was later closed in October, access now is by the new
frontage road along the eastbound roadway starting from Wilson's Mills
Road.
The frontage road
will stop here at the next intersection with Bear Farm Road, allowing
remaining businesses access from local roads.
Portable VMS
warning drivers of the approaching traffic signal at Wilson's Mills
Road, bridge construction for the interchange on the left.
US 70 East
traffic moves to the right around future I-42 lanes heading for the
Wilson's Mills Road bridge.
A closer view of
the future I-42 roadway approaching the future Wilson's Mills Road
bridge.
Approaching the
traffic signal at Wilson's Mills Road, bridge construction continues on
the left.
A view of
Wilson's Mills Road heading through the bridge construction for future
I-42.
Work on the
future I-42 roadbed continues beyond Wilson's Mills Road, the dirt
roadbed formally the US 70 East lanes, now on the other side of the
bridge construction.
Now approaching
construction related to the future Swift Creek Road interchange around
the corner.
Approaching the
future on-ramp to Swift Creek Road on US 70 West.
Grading of the
future on-ramp to Swift Creek Road continues.
The bridge
support for the future Swift Creek Road bridge is up in the median.
Looking across
the median at the support and bridge construction for Swift Creek Road
on US 70 East.
The roadway looks
mostly completed to interstate standards after Swift Creek Road.
The nearly
completed roadway continues towards the Strickland Road intersection.
US 70 approaches
the Strickland Road intersection, little construction has taken place
here, there will be no interchange here.
The near
interstate standard roadway reappears after Strickland Road along with
an activated permanent VMS.
A new frontage
road joins the westbound roadway approaching the Uzzle/Uzzle Industrial
Road intersection, still open.
A closer look at
the still open intersection with frontage road continuing to the right.
A temporary
barrier has been placed to separate the US 70 West roadway from the
frontage road being constructed to the right.
A permanent
barrier is also being constructed further west.
The permanent
barrier ends but the frontage road continues towards the Sadisco Road
intersection ahead.
Current 1/2 mile
advance sign for US 70 Business East (soon to be plain US 70) near the
end of the project work zone.
The median
opening exists at the Sadisco Road intersection though the entrances
have been closed in both directions at the western end of the work zone.
NCDOT Photo of
Swift Creek Road bridge construction, October 2023
Looking north at
newly placed girders for the future Swift Creek Road bridge over US 70.
Included in press release about the closure of direct access from US 70
to the NCDOT maintenance yard on October 27. Access will now be from one
of the new frontage roads built for the upgrade of US 70 to I-42.
Construction
Project images from Google Maps Street View taken in April and May 2023:
Business US 70 to
Strickland Road
Work still under
way to grade and pave widened roadway just east of the Business 70 exit
at the end of the Clayton Bypass.
Drainage work
still underway along the future east roadway, while grading continues on
the westbound lanes.
Work continues
approaching Uzzle Industrial Drive.
View of the East
US 70 intersection with Uzzle Industrial Drive, no sign of grade
separation work at present.
The future I-42
East lanes are partially paved with the rest graded.
The graded
section turns into a future temporary roadway for eastbound traffic to
get around bridge construction at Strickland Road.
The current
intersection with Strickland Road, the highway reduces to 1 lane just
before the traffic signals.
Strickland Road
to Wilson's Mills Road
US 70 East
traffic using the future I-42 East shoulder following Strickland Road.
Traffic gets
shifted on the Future I-42 East roadway to the right lane approaching
Swift Creek Road.
Now looking west
on US 70 after Swift Creek Road showing eastbound work underway on the
future interchange.
A pile of dirt is
all that is left for the former US 70 West intersection with Swift Creek
Road, a detour is now set up. Traffic has not been able to use the
intersection since March.
The future exit
ramp from US 70 (I-42) West to Swift Creek Road.
Widening work
along US 70 West prior to the future Swift Creek Road exit.
Construction
along US 70 West between Wilson's Mills Road and Swift Creek Road, less
work here than both to the east and west.
Construction in
the median for the future I-42 roadway bridge over Wilson's Mills Road.
Contractors busy
adding fill to future I-42 approach to Wilson's Mills road bridge as
seen from US 70 West.
View of the
Wilson's Mills Road bridge structure from the current intersection with
US 70.
Wilson's Mills
Road to Neuse River Bridge
Construction in
median east of Wilson's Mills Road for future I-42 roadway.
Construction work
mostly along US 70 West between Wilson's Mills Road and the end of the
project at the Neuse River bridge.
Closer look of
construction along US 70 West at the eastern end of the improvement
project.
These buildings
along US 70 West at Bear Farm Road appear to be in the way of the future
freeway.
Little
construction seen heading along US 70 East approaching the Johnston
County Correctional Institution and the Neuse River Bridge.
Earlier Photos
Construction
Project Photos. Latest taken heading east on October 16, 2022:
Start of the
construction zone on US 70 East after the Business 70 exit.
Concrete barrier
separating future I-42 East lanes from current East US 70 traffic.
Graded future
I-42 East lanes continue along US 70 East.
These future
lanes are not as far along.
More concrete
barrier separating future I-42 East lanes from current East US 70
traffic.
Site of future
bridge carrying Uzzie Industrial Drive over I-42/US 70.
More concrete
barrier along with a variable Speed Limit sign.
Approaching the
intersection at Strickland Road.
Site of future
Strickland Road bridge over I-42/US 70 and start of work on temporary
detour roadway.
Temporary traffic
signals, not yet activated, have been set up at Strickland Road for US
70 traffic.
The concrete
barrier returns after Strickland Road separating less advanced future
I-42 East lanes from current US 70 East traffic.
The barrier
continues along US 70 East.
The construction
area along US 70 East widens approaching the future interchange with
Swift Creek Road.
Some of the
landscaping around the future bridge at Swift Creek Road already in
place.
Approaching the
traffic lights at Swift Creek Road.
Some of the
future I-42 lanes, and shoulder and guardrail, are already in place
after the Swift Creek Road intersection.
The completed
shoulder and guardrail for Future I-42 East continuing.
Approaching the
traffic lights at Swift Creek Road.
The guardrail
ends approaching Wilson's Mills Road.
More future I-42
lanes in place approaching the site of the Wilson's Mills Road
interchange.
A variable
Construction Zone Speed Limit sign shows 60 MPH ahead of the Wilson's
Mills Road intersection.
Approaching the
current traffic light at the Wilson's Mills Road intersection.
The traffic
signals whose days are numbered at the Wilson's Mills Road intersection.
Freshly paved,
perhaps future I-42 East lanes after the Wilson's Mills Road
intersection.
Freshly paved US
70 East lanes are joined by a possible future frontage road heading
toward the east end of the construction zone in Smithfield.
The future
frontage road continues along the US 70 East lanes.
Another concrete
barrier appears between US 70 lanes and the future frontage road.
The concrete
barrier picks up again after the Turnage Road intersection heading
further east.
The barrier ends
just before the end of the construction zone in near the Johnston
Correctional Institution.
Approaching the
prison entrance at the end of the future I-42 construction zone in
Smithfield.
Taken at the
Wilson Mills Road intersection by David Johnson on April 17, 2022:
Bridge being
constructed as seen from US 70 West.
Google Maps
Street View images taken in September and October 2021:
Heading west
toward Wilson Mills Road on US 70, clearing for future interchange
underway.
The section
between Wilson's Mills Road and Swift Creek Road has been repaved,
shoulder are not interstate standard yet, but clearing to the right of
the shoulder would allow for quick further widening in the future.
The current
intersection between US 70 West and Swift Creek Road, little
construction can be seen at the other future interchange site.
Sign Photos -
Taken October 16, 2022:
The first advance
sign for the Buffalo Road exit on US 70 East after the Neuse River
bridge.
The next sign is
an advance for the US 70 exit at the beginning of the US 70 Bypass
around Smithfield prior to the Buffalo Road exit.
The Buffalo Road
exit sign at the beginning of the Bypass Freeway (Future I-42).
The US 70 East
exit overhead at the beginning of the US 70 Bypass (Future I-42) around
Smithfield, currently, Future I-42 traffic would have to leave the
freeway to access I-95, but this may change.
Signage I-42
traffic would currently have to follow to get to I-95 on US 70 East.
Segment 3
Here are some
Google Maps Street View images traveling west along the US 70 Bypass
taken in the summer and fall of 2021:
A Future I-42
sign near the start of the Bypass.
The 1 Mile
advance sign for the Parktown Road exit, will the exit numbers be
changed when I-42 is signed?
The 1/2 Mile
advance sign for the US 13 exit, notice Street View already has this
part of the Bypass listed as I-42.
The gore sign for
the US 13 exit off of the Bypass.
The 1 Mile
advance sign for the Wayne Memorial Drive exit.
A combination
green auxiliary and blue Hospital Services sign for the Wayne Memorial
Drive exit, still on "I-42."
The 1 Mile
advance sign for the US 117 exit, behind a Mile 357.5 marker that will
be changed when it becomes I-42.
A
post-interchange distance sign prior to the US 117 exit, showing the
near 20 mile distance US 70 will have to be upgraded between the end of
the Goldsboro Bypass and I-95.
The overhead sign
for the US 117 exit shares its cantilever support with the 1 mile
advance for I-795.
The overhead exit
sign for the I-795 North exit, the first ramp of the soon meeting
between 2 interstates.
The ground
mounted exit sign for the I-795 South exit, eventually that interstate
to end at I-40.
The 1 Mile
advance sign for the NC 581 exit.
The future
temporary end of I-42 West at the merge with US 70 West at the end of
the Goldsboro Bypass. Heading east...
The 1/2 Mile
advance sign for the US 70 East exit at the start of the Future I-42
Goldsboro Bypass.
Segment 5
Images taken in
December 2022 by Google Maps Street View cameras (New 3/19/23):
The Future I-42
sign at the start of the now interstate standard freeway west of New
Bern.
Typical view
heading west along US 70 on interstate standard freeway toward Kinston.
(Taken by Adam
Prince in July 2021)
One of the
several Future I-42 signs placed along US 70 at county lines, here
crossing into Craven County, to the right of the now interstate standard
right shoulder headed east.
View of
Interstate standard shoulders now completed along US 70 in Craven
County.
Exit sign for NC
41 near Cove City, next to now interstate standard right shoulder,
currently no exit number.
The sign for the
next exit for SR 1224, besides the interstate standard right shoulder.
The sign for
Craven Community College exit, also still without exit number.
The 3/4 mile
advance for what will be the last exit sign without a number, Business
70, the blank space for US 17 South.
The exit sign for
the Clarks Road exit, with exit number, next to the widened right
shoulder of Future I-42 East.
The overhead exit
sign for the NC 43 exit on US 17 North/US 70 East approaching New Bern.
Overhead signage
for the East Front Street exit on US 17 North/US 70 East over the water
in New Bern.
Exit signage for
US 17, on its way north to eventually becoming part of Future I-87 and
NC 55 East, notice that all the exit numbers in the New Bern area
currently overlap those listed for the Havelock Bypass (see sign plans
below), hopefully this will be corrected before that highway opens.
Want to
contribute photos for this site? Feel free to email me at rmalme7374 at
gmail.com.
Segment 6 (New 4/16/24)
Images from
Google Maps Street View taken during March 2024 showing James City
construction along US 70 East:
US 70 traffic
sits behind traffic light at western end of James City construction
zone, showing little progress at this end of the project.
Pile of dirt has
sat long enough to have grass growing in it at the US 70 intersection
with Williams Road.
Some progress
seen along the opposite side of the road at the next traffic light.
Some work seen on
the right along the future frontage road approaching the intersection
with Airport Road.
More noticeable
frontage road construction seen after the Airport Road intersection and
future interchange.
Construction
showing more progress approaching future interchange with Grantham Road.
Frontage road
work continues along US 70 East approaching Grantham Road.
Site of the
future Grantham Road exit ramp, roundabouts for interchange traffic
being constructed further to the right.
Frontage road
work continues along US 70 East (Future I-42) after Grantham Road.
Work along both
sides of US 70 near the eastern end of the project work zone.
More frontage
road construction along US 70 East near Taberna Way.
Work along both
sides of US 70 approaching Thurman Road.
The US 70
intersection with Thurman Road which is be the last interchange built
for the James City project.
While the roadbed
has been rebuilt, construction has only recently started on the future
frontage road along US 70 East after Thurman Road.
The current end
for the frontage road along US 70 East near the eastern end of the
project work zone.
The end of the
James City project work zone on US 70 East, despite work starting on the
design-build contract between here and the Havelock Bypass, no
construction was evident in the March Street View images.
Older Photos
Images from
Google Maps Street View taken during August 2023 showing James City
construction along US 70:
Paving of both US
70 East (right) and West (left) lanes has occurred along with shoulder
widening and the building of an adjacent frontage road.
Paving of the
shoulders has not commenced further east where construction an adjacent
frontage road continues at a still open intersection midway through the
construction zone. August Street View images at the north end of the
project show no progress with upgrading an existing railroad crossing
and several signalized intersections.
Earlier Images
from Google Maps Street View taken during December 2022 showing James
City construction:
Widening of the
shoulders along US 70 West as part of project converting highway to
Interstate standard freeway.
One of several
service roads being built to serve local businesses currently along US
70 West.
Another service
road under construction US 70 West further east.
One of several
areas cleared along US 70 West for drainage work.
Piles of pipes
and other construction equipment at the end of the current work zone at
Thurman Road.
Segment 7 (New 4/15/24)
Screen images
from Google Maps Street View coverage of US 70 of the future western end
of the Havelock Bypass from March 2024 (there are new Street View images
along US 70 until NC 101 in Havelock):
The first new
Street View images indicates probably why opening of the Bypass has been
delayed until 2025, the future on-ramp from US 70 East is only partially
graded.
A closer look at
the future on-ramp from US 70 East to the Bypass.
Construction
equipment along US 70 East in the Bypass construction zone.
More on-ramps for
the Bypass partially graded as seen from US 70 East.
Approaching the
future on-ramp to US 70 East from the westbound Bypass.
View of a pair of
bridges near the end of the Bypass still not complete.
A closer look at
the approaching merge of the future Bypass west ramp to US 70 East.
Closeup of the
future Bypass ramp merging with US 70 East, also only partially graded.
Approaching the
end of the Bypass work zone, 1/2 mile from the new exit ramp to the
Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station access road (there apparently is
no current plan to tie this access road to the Bypass).
Another view of
the northern end of the Bypass from US 70 West showing more construction
needed.
Older Photos
NCDOT images of
Havelock Bypass construction taken during the summer of 2023:
Railroad bridge
under construction over future Havelock Bypass lanes.
Future Havelock
Bypass lanes initially paved at eastern end of construction zone.
Future Havelock
Bypass lanes as seen from future US 70 East bridge at eastern end of
project.
View from future
Havelock Bypass of US 70 bridges nearly complete.
Images from
Google Maps Street View taken during the August 2023 of Havelock Bypass
construction along US 70 East:
Work continues in
constructing the on-ramp and bridges at the western end of the Havelock
Bypass.
Looking back from
US 70 towards the ramp bridges being constructed at the western end of
the Havelock Bypass.
Work continuing
on the bridge that will take the Havelock Bypass (Future I-42) lanes
over the future alignment of US 70 East.
Looking back at
future alignment of US 70 going under the Havelock Bypass on left,
current lanes on the right.
Merging of future
US 70 East lanes with current lanes at the end of the western Havelock
Bypass construction zone.
At the other end
of the Bypass...
Construction of
future US 70 East lanes continues at the eastern end of Havelock Bypass.
Closer view of
grading of future US 70 East lanes heading over bridge over future
Havelock Bypass lanes.
Looking back
along current US 70 East toward future lanes being graded.
Dirt piles remain
along US 70 East approaching the future ramp from the eastern end of
Havelock Bypass.
Future site where
the Havelock Bypass will merge into US 70 East.
Earlier images
from Google Maps Street View taken during the December 2022 of Havelock
Bypass construction:
The start of the
Bypass as seen from US 70 East.
A closer look at
the future ramp structure being build as part of the Bypass. Meanwhile,
at the other end:
The future US 70
East lanes at the eastern end of the Bypass.
The future US 70
East bridge under construction over the eastern end of the Bypass.
The future merge
of the I-42 Bypass with US 70 East.
Earlier Street
View images from July 2022:
View from US 70
East lanes showing beginning of Havelock Bypass.
Trucks and
construction vehicles parked at the beginning of Havelock Bypass.
View from US 70
East showing future I-42 East Havelock Bypass lanes being constructed.
Future I-42
Havelock Bypass roadway paralleling current US 70 East.
View from US 70
West at the other end of the Havelock Bypass as it will merge back with
the original roadway.
Additional Bypass
construction seen from US 70 West lanes.
More to come...
Sign Plans
Exit sign plans
for Havelock Bypass (unknown why numbers nearly duplicate existing
numbers near New Bern):37
Here's an I-42 Shirt advertised on the Internet (no endorsement):
Notes
*Project funding
has been suspended by NCDOT due to agency's budget issues. NCDOT is
working with state legislature to find alternative sources of revenue.
It is unknown when, or if, construction will be started on this project.
3. NCDOT. 2022. "Interstate 42 Coming to Eastern N.C. Corridor." Press
Release. March 16. Downloaded from:
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2022/2022-03-16-i-42-coming-us-70-corridor.aspx,
March 16.
4. NCDOT. 2023. Response to personal inquiry as to timeline for I-42
signing, January 10.
5. NCDOT. 2023. Response from Renee B. Roach, PE, CPM, State Signing and
Delineation Engineer, Mobility and Safety Division, Signing and
Delineation Unit to inquiry to NCDOT regarding the signing of I-42,
January 31.
6. Stradling, Richard. 2023. Will ’40/42’ be a thing of the past? NCDOT
plans to rename NC 42 in Johnston County. July 21. Downloaded from:
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article277460313.html, July 23,
2023.
7. AASHTO. 2023. Special Committee on US Route Numbering. Fall Meeting
Report to the Council on Highways and Streets, p. 3. Downloaded
from:
https://transportation.org/route/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/Final_Report_USRN_Fall_2023_R_1.pdf,
Dec. 4, 2023.
8. NCDOT. 2024. Construction Progress Report, Contract C204359, TIP No.
W-5600. Information as of March 15. Downloaded from:
https://apps.ncdot.gov/traffictravel/progloc/ProgLocSearch.aspx, March 22,
2024.
11. NCDOT. 2021. Signing Plans, Part 2. Contract C204359. January 16.
Downloaded from:
https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/dsplan/2021%20Highway%20Letting/03-16-21/Plans%20and%20Proposals/Johnston%20C204359/Standard%20PDF%20Files/,
Jan. 23, 2021.
16. Dunlop, Jim. 2021. Posting on AARoads Forum, Southeast Region,
October 8. Downloaded from:
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=19189.425, October 9.
17. AASHTO. 2022. Special Committee on US Route Numbering, 2021 Fall
Meeting Final Report, p. 3/5. Downloaded from:
https://route.transportation.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2022/02/Final-Report-USRN-Application-Results-Fall-2021.pdf,
Feb. 14, 2022.
19. NCDOT 2023. State Transportation Improvement Program, Final, June
2023. June 6. Division 2, p. 15. Downloaded from:
https://www.ncdot.gov/initiatives-policies/Transportation/stip/Pages/about.aspx,
June 7.
22. NCDOT. 2019. Five Miles of Craven County Highway to be Upgraded.
Press Release. September 25. Downloaded from:
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-09-25-craven-county-highway-upgrade-contract.aspx,
September 27.
23. NCDOT. 2024. Construction Progress Report, Contract No. C 204225,
TIP Nos. R-5777A, R-5777B, U-5713. Information as of March 22. Downloaded
from: https://apps.ncdot.gov/traffictravel/progloc/ProgLocSearch.aspx,
April 15, 2024.
24. NCDOT. "Update for Construction on U.S. 70 Improvements in James
City." Press Release. Nov. 29. Downloaded from:
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2023/2023-11-29-craven-county-james-city-update.aspx,
Dec. 6, 2023.
25. JDunlop. 2024. Comment to I-42 Thread in AARoads Forum, April 22,
2024. Downloaded from:
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=18287.msg2920472
#msg2920472, April 22, 2024.
27. NCDOT. 2023. "More of U.S. 70 in Craven County Will Be Upgraded."
Press Release. February 1. Downloaded from:
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2023/2023-02-01-us-70-upgrade-craven-county.aspx,
Feb. 1, 2023.
28. NCDOT. 2024. Construction Project Report, Contract No. C 204695, TIP
No. R-5777C. Information as of March 22. Downloaded from:
https://apps.ncdot.gov/traffictravel/progloc/ProgLocSearch.aspx, April 15,
2024.
29. Craven County. 2023. Craven County Comprehensive Transportation
Plan, Highway Map, Inset B, p. 10. Downloaded from:
https://eccog.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CravenCo_Full-Report_April-6-2020.pdf, February 1, 2024.
30. NCDOT. 2024. Construction Project Report, Contract No. C 204177, TIP
No. R-1015. Information as of March 20. Downloaded from:
https://apps.ncdot.gov/traffictravel/progloc/ProgLocSearch.aspx, April 15,
2024.
31. WCTI.com. 2024. "Havelock bypass construction delayed, city remains
optimistic for spring 2025 opening." April 10. Downloaded from:
https://wcti12.com/news/local/havelock-bypass-construction-delayed-city-remains-optimistic-for-spring-2025-opening#,
April 15, 2024.
32. NCDOT. 2023. "U.S. 70 in Craven County Requires Temporary Lane
Closures." Press Release. February 17. Downloaded from:
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2023/2023-02-17-lane-closures-craven-county.aspx,
Feb. 19, 2023.
34. Craven County. 2020. Craven County Comprehensive Transportation
Plan. p. 2-12. Downloaded from:
https://eccog.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CravenCo_Full-Report_April-6-2020.pdf,
Jan. 4, 2024.
35. Carteret County. 2014. Carteret County Comprehensive Transportation
Plan, Sept., p. 2-21. Downloaded from:
https://eccog.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Carteret-Co-CTP-Report-FINAL.pdf,
Jan. 4, 2024.
36. Shaffer, Ryan. 2023. "What's next for the Hwy-70 upgrades in Craven,
Carteret Counties?" News report for Public Radio of Eastern North
Carolina. February 24. Downloaded from:
https://www.publicradioeast.org/pre-news/2023-02-24/whats-next-for-the-hwy-70-upgrades-in-craven-carteret-counties,
July 23, 2023.
37. Plans from: Signing Plan, Craven and Carteret Counties, Location: US
70 Havelock Bypass from South of Carteret/Craven County Line to South of
SR 1176 (Carolina Pines Blvd.), NCDOT TIP R-1015, November 20, 2018.
Available at:
https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/dsplan/2019%20Highway%20Letting/02-19-19/Plans%20and%20Proposals/Craven_R-1015_C204177/Standard%20PDF%20Files/250%20Signing%20Plans.pdf
Site created:
July 10, 2019
Site Updated:
April 22, 2024
(c) Robert H.
Malme 2024
Future NC Interstates