RANDOLPH COUNTY, N.C. — NCDOT announced the beginnings of a new interstate coming to Randolph County giving Toyota workers easy access from the highway to the megasite.
On Monday, officials unveiled signage for the future I-685. The first interchange will open in a few months and sits off of U.S. 421, in Randolph County. The interchange gives Toyota employees an easy way to get off the highway and head straight to work.
“Toyota is big. It's probably the biggest investment we've ever seen from a company in the state of North Carolina, the most jobs at any one time, but this is just a drop in the bucket to what I-685 can bring to the old Carolina Core region,” said NCDOT Secretary, Joey Hopkins.
NCDOT said the opening aligns with Toyota’s plans to start battery production by 2025. It said the new interstate also improves access for semi-conductor company Wolfspeed.
Dan Devries lives close to the Greensboro-Randolph megasite. He said he’s excited for the new interstate because it will reduce traffic outside his house.
“This is so congested right now, you can watch the traffic going in and out of here, but if they can approach it from the other side it’s going to be a lot better,” Devries said.
Devries is a truck driver, but he’s gained a side hustle because of Toyota plant construction. Devries and his daughter opened a lemonade stand. The proceeds are going to support her diving and gymnastics lessons.
Devries also allows a food truck to operate in his front yard to support the construction workers currently building the megasite.
Toyota is looking to fill about 5,000 jobs and those workers will need a place to live. In response some housing developments are popping up near the megasite like Rodger's Farm.
Rodger's Farm developers report out of 42 home sites, about 25% of homeowners are Toyota workers.
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