Business 40 to become Salem Parkway
BY TODD LUCK
THE CHRONICLE
Gov. Pat McCrory announced Business 40 will be renamed Salem Parkway after a massive construction project that is expected to close a portion of the highway for nearly two years starting in 2018.
McCrory spoke at a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, Oct. 21, held at the BB&T Ballpark parking lot overlooking the highway. It was purely symbolic in nature, since the massive $100 million project is now in its design phase.
The new name was chosen in an online vote. Salem Parkway beat three other finalists, which were all suggested by residents. The renaming, which will happen after construction is complete, is to help with confusion some motorists have between Business 40 and Interstate 40.
“Salem Parkway, what a beautiful name,” said McCrory. “What a beautiful name for Winston-Salem, and it’s going to be a nice parkway that’s welcoming, that’s conducive to the public and that’s safe.”
A 1.2 mile proportion of Business 40 between Fourth and Church streets will be undergoing construction to replace aging pavement and bridges on the 60 year-old highway. The length of interchanges will also be extended. The recommended weaving space on an interchange is 2,000 feet. The weaving sections on the current interchanges in that section are only between 150 and 300 feet.
There’s work to be done before renovation of the highway starts. Construction may begin as early as summer 2017 on Peters Creek Parkway to help it accommodate the increased traffic it’ll see when it becomes the major access point to downtown during Business 40 construction. Once Peters Creek is complete by the winter of 2018, then the segment of Business 40 will be shut down for approximately 20 months. It’s estimated to reopen in 2020. Detours have not yet been determined, but it’s the N.C. Department of Transportation’s policy not to run them through residential areas.
The construction will also include atheistic improvements to pedestrian walkways and along the highway itself in partnership with the City of Winston-Salem and the local Creative Corridors Coalition, designed to make it a visually appealing entrance to the city. There’s also a multi-use pedestrian and bicycle path that will be built along the highway.
“We’re excited about this project that will create a new front door to our community,” said Mayor Allen Joines.
