US 70 Upgrades Between James City Improvement Project and Havelock Bypass

Another segment of an important corridor in eastern North Carolina will be upgraded to interstate standards, thanks to a $242 million state contract awarded last week.

The N.C. Department of Transportation will improve 6.4 miles of U.S. 70 roughly between Thurman Road and the Havelock Bypass.

The project will eliminate conventional U.S. 70 intersections, such as those with stop signs and traffic signals, with new overpasses, bridges, ramps, loops and service roads. Along this 6.4-mile route, the following intersection with U.S. 70 will be converted into interchanges, or highway exits:

• Stately Pine Road

• Fisher Avenue

• Camp Kiro Road

“This is a vital highway for eastern North Carolina,” said Jeff Cabaniss, the Division 2 Engineer based in Kinston. “By upgrading it, we will be improving regional mobility and highway safety and providing new economic opportunities in this region of the state.” 

The department awarded what is referred to as design-build contract to Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Inc. of Wilmington, the same contractor working on the Havelock Bypass and Improvements in James City. A design-build contract is an alternative way to deliver a project in an efficient way. Balfour Beatty will complete the final design, assist NCDOT in acquiring the necessary right of way and construct the project.

The current timeline anticipates construction being ready to begin by early 2024, and it will take about four years to complete the improvements. This NCDOT webpage has more information about the project.