Winston-Salem - Governor Pat
McCrory was on hand today for a groundbreaking ceremony for the first section
of theWinston-Salem Northern Beltwayin Forsyth County.
Governor McCrory and theN.C. Department of Transportationawarded a $154
million contract for the 4-mile section of the eastern part of the Beltway
between U.S. 158 and U.S. 421/Business 40.
"I-74 plays a major role in our state, connecting the east to the
west and rural to urban. Breaking ground on this stretch of roadway will
continue our goal of building roads based on congestion, safety, and economic
development," said Governor McCrory. "Secretary Tata and I are proud
of this landmark achievement."
Construction for the project can start as early asDecember 1. The
road should be open to traffic byNov. 1, 2018.
"This is an important first step, not only for the eastern section of the
Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, but also in the continued development of the
entire I-74 corridor to better connect people with jobs, education and health
care," said DOT Secretary Tony Tata.
Eventually, the Beltway will provide a 34-mile multi-lane freeway around
the northern side of Winston-Salem. The rest of the eastern section of the
Beltway will connect U.S. 311 southeast of the city to U.S. 52, and will become
a part of the I-74 corridor when finished. The western section will continue
around to U.S. 158 on the southwestern side of the city.
The new highway will improve the transportation network in Forsyth County
and the surrounding area by increasing connectivity, helping alleviate
congestion and enhancing safety along heavily traveled routes such as U.S.
421/Business 40 and U.S. 52. The Beltway will also reduce traffic congestion
and provide interstate connectivity to I-40 and I-40 Business for such Forsyth
County towns as Clemmons, Tobaccoville, Walkertown and Rural Hall, and provide
residents better access to job and educational opportunities outside of their
communities.
As a result of NCDOT'sUrban Loop Acceleration Plan, the Department was able to
speed up the expected timeframe for property purchasing and the start of
construction for this section of the highway, allowing right of way to get
under way in 2012. The Department used Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle,
orGARVEE, bonds to move up the project schedule and get
construction started. The $154 million bid by Dragados USA Inc. of New
York City was $8 million under NCDOT engineers estimate.
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