Governor Pat McCrory and N.C. Department of Transportation Secretary Nick Tennyson joined state and local representatives Friday to open the completed US 70 Goldsboro Bypass. The new bypass will relieve heavy traffic congestion, improve local access and increase safety along the corridor.
“The Goldsboro Bypass is a great example of what we are working to accomplish throughout the state, relieving the bottlenecks that are not just an obstacle to efficient travel, but also to increased prosperity and improved quality of life,” Governor McCrory said. “This bypass brings us closer to realizing our vision for this corridor and the many benefits that come from improved highway connections.”
The 11.9-mile eastern section that opens today completes the bypass, which now spans more than 20 miles from US 70 just west of NC 581 in Wayne County to US 70 just east of Promise Land Road in Lenoir County. The construction cost for the entire bypass project is approximately $235 million, meeting its planned budget expectations.
The project was completed in three sections, with the 3.9-mile central section opening to traffic in December 2011 and the 5.9-mile western section opening in October 2015.
The bypass will provide greater access to key destinations along the US 70 Corridor, including Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, the State Port in Morehead City, and the Global TransPark in Kinston, as well as North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. The project will also improve connections to Interstate 95.
Last Wednesday, the American Association of State and Transportation approved I-42 as the designation for the US 70 corridor between I-40 and Morehead City.
“The designation of the US 70 corridor as an interstate will facilitate economic growth in Eastern North Carolina by enhancing freight movement and encouraging businesses to move to the region,” continued Governor McCrory.
The Goldsboro Bypass opened to traffic Friday however further improvements such as the installation of large overhead signs to delineate the US 70 Bypass are still being completed. The DOT has also notified private mapping companies to ensure the bypass will show up on mobile phones.
