FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. — Can you believe it's been almost two years since the Greensboro Urban Loop became a part of our daily commute? When it was under construction, many questioned who would actually use it. Fast forward, and the loop now sees thousands of cars every day, significantly reducing travel time and easing congestion on I-40.
But there's more good news for drivers. A new road project in the Triad area is on the way, with a bold plan to reduce traffic on Highway 52 in Winston-Salem by 20,000 cars a day. This will ultimately help drivers in Greensboro save time, especially those heading west to the mountains or north to Mount Airy. The big change? The Beltway.
A New Path for Drivers
"The Eastern Beltway will mean no more driving through downtown Winston-Salem," said Pat Ivey, NCDOT Division 9 Engineer.
The Beltway project, which has been in the works for years, is starting to make a real impact. The 17-mile stretch connecting 421 to Highway 52 in Rural Hall bypasses the congested heart of Winston-Salem. For those traveling to Pilot Mountain, the Beltway cuts down 15 minutes of travel time. No more navigating the gridlock of downtown, which, as one driver put it, is "always a cluster full of traffic."
A Local Perspective
For some, the Beltway is literally in their backyard. "I'm not hearing construction anymore," said Joe Weavil. "The blasting's gone, but when cars start driving down, that’s when I'll really be able to judge it. If it's worth it." Weavil's family property is in the Beltway's pathway. While he wasn't happy with the blasting for construction, he even says he's been on the open part of the Beltway and it saves his family time when traveling to Mt. Airy.
The Most Expensive Stretch
As the project progresses, one critical section is the stretch between I-40 and Salem Parkway (421). This two-mile stretch, part of the eastern beltway, is the most expensive segment yet, costing a staggering $261 million—more than double the cost of widening Business 40.
Why so expensive?
"The interchange between I-40 and I-74 is a major crossroads for two of North Carolina's busiest interstates. The project involves complex bridge work, including massive pillars that are part of a new freeway-to-freeway interchange," said Ivey.
Ivey calls it a huge engineering feat.
"The reason you see all those bridges going up is because I-74 will go underneath I-40, and these bridges will become the long on-and-off ramps connecting the two highways," said Ivey.
Big Changes Ahead
For drivers on I-40, the next few years will bring significant changes. Westbound I-40 will be relocated to a new path to make way for the ramps. By the Spring of 2025, drivers can expect two lanes in each direction, but by the time the project is complete at the end of 2026, there will be four lanes in each direction.
Once the ramps are finished, the I-40/I-74 interchange will be a key part of the completed Beltway system, providing smoother and faster connections across the region.
The Final Piece of the Puzzle
Both the eastern beltway and the I-40/I-74 interchange are set to be completed by the end of 2026, but the western portion of the beltway is still awaiting funding. While the eastern side is moving forward on schedule, the western part of the Beltway could face delays if funding doesn't come through soon.