The N.C. Department of Transportation plans to upgrade a nearly 5-mile section of U.S. 70 to interstate standards between U.S. 70 Business and the Neuse River. The project will reduce the frequency and severity of crashes and improve traffic flow along the corridor.
The project, known as W-5600 in the State Transportation Improvement Program, proposes constructing interchanges at Swift Creek Road and Wilson's Mills Road as:
- A new bridge will carry Swift Creek Road over U.S. 70 and include ramps and loops for drivers to enter and exit the highway. (Swift Creek Road at this location will close for about one year for construction, and traffic will be detoured onto Wilson's Mills and Strickland roads.)
- New U.S. 70 bridges will go over Wilson's Mills Road, and ramps will be constructed to allow motorists to enter and exit the highway. (Wilson's Mills Road will remain open for most of the construction of this interchange.)
The remaining road-level intersections will be closed, along with median openings, to improve safety.
Service roads will be built adjacent to U.S. 70 to provide new access to businesses and properties that front the highway.