Re: First section of I-140 (NC) Now Open
- From: Bob Malme <rmalme@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 22 Aug 2005 19:01:51 -0400
Bob Malme wrote:
http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050818/NEWS/50818008
(Registration required for the above, so full text is posted below) First leg of bypass set to open Easley plans to visit area for road ribbon-cutting Garrett McGrath, Staff Writer
WRIGHTSBORO | "Some housekeeping remains, such as bringing electricity to the overhead signs and finishing the paving of exit ramps.
Crews also were busy Wednesday erecting temporary signs on Interstate 40.
But by and large, the first stretch of the Northern Outer Loop, also known as I-140, is ready for its grand opening Monday, which is scheduled to include Gov. Mike Easley.
“There’s a little mowing and other stuff to do,” said Wayne Currie, project engineer for the N.C. Department of Transportation. “But for all practical purposes, it’s completed.”
The three-mile section scheduled to open next week runs from I-40 to Castle Hayne Road. A second section of the highway that will carry I-140 over the Northeast Cape Fear River to U.S. 421 is expected to open by the end of the year.
Allen Pope, head of the DOT’s Wilmington division, said he was excited to get the first piece of the $180 million highway open.
Mr. Pope said although the ribbon-cutting for the new highway will be Monday morning, I-140 wouldn’t open to traffic until that afternoon.
The new link is expected to help relieve traffic congestion through Castle Hayne. Many motorists exit I-40 and pass through the town headed toward the Brunswick County beaches.
“But we expect the real benefit will come when we get over to U.S. 421,” Mr. Pope said, noting the advantages of having a new river-crossing north of Wilmington.
The eastern leg of I-140, which will run from I-40 to Scotts Hill in Pender County, is scheduled to open next summer.
A future extension of the highway will connect I-140 with U.S. 17 and the proposed Cape Fear Skyway near N.C. 87 in Brunswick County.
Although it’s also known as the U.S. 17 Wilmington Bypass, officials said the highway wouldn’t carry that moniker until the section to Scotts Hill opens.
Pausing on I-140 near the North College Road overpass, Mr. Currie said the DOT would have plenty of signs and barriers to make sure motorists know that they have to exit at either I-40 or Castle Hayne Road."
The highway is now open, as this article will attest: http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050822/APN/
Governor Opens First Stretch of New I-140
"Beachgoers heading for Brusnwick County now have a glimpse of how much easier their trip will be.
Gov. Easley today officially opened the first section of Interstate 140, also known as the Wilmington bypass. The three-mile stretch of highway from I-140 to NC 133 opened to traffic following this mornings's ceremony.
Easley says the road not only provides a more convenient route to the shore, but also provides better access to ports and more economic development for the region.
The Wilmington bypass is a four-lane highway that will cover 27 miles when it's done. It will eventually stretch from US 17 on the north side of Wilmington westward to US 17 south of Wilmington. It will enable motorists traveling to the Brunswick beaches to bypass the town of Castle Hayne, and the 65 miles-per-hour speed limit will reduce travel time.
The next section of I-140, from NC 133 to US 421, is expected to open by the end of the year."
Much of the article is taken from the Governor's press release about the ribbon cutting. A link to which is available on my NC Future Interstate page, address below.
Bob Malme Future NC Interstates: http://www.duke.edu/~rmalme/ncfutint.html
.
- References:
- First section of I-140 (NC) to Open Monday 8/22
- From: Bob Malme
- First section of I-140 (NC) to Open Monday 8/22
- Prev by Date: Re: Which TEA is new transportation bill?
- Next by Date: Toll amnesty, Chicagoland
- Previous by thread: First section of I-140 (NC) to Open Monday 8/22
- Next by thread: WI Roadtrip (WI-29 and US-12)
- Index(es):
Relevant Pages
|
