
WILMINGTON — Two transportation entities have agreed on changes made to the draft 2024-2033 State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP). If approved by the transportation board, it would allow a few local projects to wrap earlier than anticipated.
The N.C. Department of Transportation and Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) agreed to accelerate the Hampstead Bypass corridor to help improve traffic and flow in New Hanover and Pender counties. It especially will be beneficial to those living in the Hampstead area.
READ MORE: Hampstead Bypass, S. Front Street widening projects could be completed sooner than expected
Construction began on phase one of the bypass, N.C. 210 to north of Hampstead, earlier in the year. The STIP adjustment allows the second phase, N.C. 140 to N.C. 210 to begin summer 2025 rather than fall 2026.
“I am glad we agreed to move this project forward,” Division 3 engineer Chad Kimes said in a press release. “Together, NCDOT and WMPO understand how important it is to the people who live, work and visit the area.”
If all goes according to plan, it could allow the bypass to be completed one year earlier, in 2029 instead of 2030.
NCDOT and WMPO agreed to adjust the proposed timelines of other future projects as well, including:
- Upgrading the intersections of U.S. 76 (Oleander Drive) at Greenville Loop Road and Greenville Avenue has been accelerated with construction planned to begin in 2029.
- Widening U.S. 421 (Carolina Beach Road) from N.C. 132 (South College Road) to Sanders Road and constructing flyovers at U.S. 421 and N.C. 132 has been accelerated with construction set to begin in 2027.
The board of transportation will adopt the 2024-2033 STIP in spring 2023.
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