The Fayetteville Outer Loop construction project stretches across counties, has a budget in the billions and a has been underway since 2001. The North Carolina Department of Transportation estimates that it will be completed by 2024 and ultimately offer a connection that will help ease heavy traffic in the area caused by a large military population. Here’s everything you need to know about the status of the project and what you can expect in the coming years.
Goals of the Project
The Fayetteville Outer Loop will provide a beltway that stretches from I-295 at U.S. 401 Business and Ramsey Street (north of Fayetteville) to I-95 in Robeson county. This 39 mile stretch of road is meant to connect the two major interstates and provide people at Fort Bragg with easy access to I-95. This will help reduce traffic on local streets, while also connecting major sections of the city and providing another route across the Cape Fear River. The loop will be renamed I-295 upon completion.
Current Status
As of early 2020, nearly 19 miles of the loop are finished and open to traffic. In late 2019, the section from the All-American Freeway to Cliffdale, was the most recent to open to drivers. The next major section is on schedule to be completed by March of 2021 and will run from south of U.S. 401 to south of SR 1400.
What to Expect
As with any large construction project, there have been delays, but the rest of the Fayetteville Outer Loop project is now fully funded and expected to wrap up in the next few years. While construction continues, drivers may see conveyor belts over I-95 that are being used in place of large dump trucks to move large amounts of fill dirt. Otherwise, drivers won’t be negatively affected and can look forward to less congestion in and around Fayetteville in the coming years.
If construction dust has your car looking dull and dirty, be sure to stop a 5 Star Car Wash location for convenient and affordable service that will get your car back to looking like new. You can also count on us to keep you up-to-date on all the latest highway construction news.