WS Chronicle

Staff Report

WINSTON-SALEM — After three decades of planning, environmental hurdles, and legal delays that halted progress, the long-awaited construction of the Western Section of the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway finally has firm target dates to begin construction, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). During the recent Winston-Salem City Council Public Works Committee meeting, Division 9 NCDOT Engineer John Ryan delivered a detailed update on the $1.74 billion transportation initiative, confirming the first segments of the Western Loop (future I-274) are fully funded for construction. “We started the Western Section 30 years ago, ran into some environmental difficulties, canned it, and refocused with a renewed look at growth in the county. They went to the East,” Ryan stated, confirming the long and complicated history of the project. The timeline to break ground on the Western Section (TIP Project R-2247) is now set to proceed in phases, moving from north to south:

• Phase 1 (US 52 to Renalda Road): This northern segment, which will tie into the now-completed Eastern Section at US 52, is scheduled to be let for contract in 2030.
• Phase 2 (Renalda Road to Robin Hood Road): This subsequent segment is scheduled to be let for contract in 2032. However, the southernmost portions of the Western Loop—from Robin Hood Road down to I-40—are currently funded only for Preliminary Engineering (PE) work, meaning construction funding must still be secured in future state prioritization plans. The Eastern Precedent: A Historical Push for I-74 The delay on the Western Section historically shifted NCDOT’s focus to the Eastern Section (future I-74). As environmental and legal challenges stalled the western half in the late 1990s and early 2000s, local advocacy groups successfully lobbied to move forward with the Eastern Loop (TIP Project U-2579). This strategic prioritization allowed the state to advance the construction of the 17.1-mile Eastern Loop, which begins at US 52 and connects to I-74/US 311. Today, that eastern progress is nearing completion. Construction that began in 2020 has led to the progressive opening of sections, including the final Rule Hall portion that was opened this past summer. The remaining work is focused on the critical southeast corner, where the loop ties into I-40:
• Section AA and AB: These two pieces, which include the impressive bridge structures over I-40 and the connection from I-77 (coming from High Point), are currently reported to be 80% complete.
• Final Completion: NCDOT anticipates that contractors will finish these vital connections in late 2026.
• Impact: Upon full opening, the I-74 loop is expected to save motorists 10 to 15 minutes on travel and significantly relieve traffic congestion in downtown Winston-Salem. Other Vital Infrastructure Updates NCDOT provided updates on several other major projects impacting Forsyth County motorists:

1. US 158 Widening (Old Greensboro to Walkertown) This $88 million project aims to transform the rural two-lane primary road into a four-lane divided facility with a grass median, addressing high traffic volumes and safety issues. The project is approximately 27% complete, with an estimated final completion date of March 2029.
2. New I-421 Interchange (Kernersville) A new $60 million interchange is set to be constructed on I-421 at Big Mill Farm Road and Hopkins Road. The goal is to provide another access point to Kernersville and alleviate congestion on Main Street. The contract was just awarded in November, with clearing expected to start this winter and construction in earnest next spring. The final completion is scheduled for January 2031.
3. Silas Creek Bridge Replacement Plans are moving forward to replace the twin bridges on Silas Creek Parkway over Salem Creek (between Link Road and Peters Creek Parkway). NCDOT is working with Duke Power and contractors on an accelerated construction plan that is likely to require the temporary closure of this highly traveled section. A public hearing is scheduled for February 17th to gather community input. “The completion of those projects will alleviate some of the traffic concerns,” Ryan concluded, marking the beginning of the end for one of the region’s longest-running infrastructure sagas.