ASHEVILLE — The N.C. Department of Transportation recently informed local officials in Rutherford County that two projects to construct the U.S. 221 Rutherfordton Bypass have been placed on the 2020 Build N.C. bond issuance list.
The announcement allows for preliminary engineering and right-of-way negotiations to resume after being suspended due to statewide cost constraints several weeks ago.
This construction project will build a new, four-lane highway with a median and three interchanges between U.S. 74 and Roper Loop Road.
The section from Charlotte Road to Roper Loop Road will have a contract awarded in July 2020 followed within weeks by the start of construction at an estimated construction cost of $92 million.
The section from U.S. 74 to Charlotte Road is scheduled for right-of-way acquisition in June of 2020 and construction beginning in 2023, with an estimated construction cost of $97 million.
Build N.C. is a financing tool that helps ensure NCDOT can continue strong delivery of critical road projects at the regional and division tiers that do not qualify for a similar federal funding tool.
“We know this new highway will provide a safer and quicker transportation route for thousands of people who live and work in Rutherford and the surrounding counties,” Division 13 Assistant Construction Engineer Nathan Moneyham said. “This is an excellent use of Build N.C. funds. It’s an excellent example of funding a local project that will help a lot of people.”