STATESVILLE – Years in the making, an important project to Statesville and the region was recognized at last week's “Celebrate Statesville Tourism Summit and Awards Ceremony" hosted by the Statesville Convention and Visitors Bureau. Approximately 200 people attended the ceremony that highlighted tourism and its significant relationship to economic development.
The N.C. Department of Transportation received the “Visionary Award" for the makeover of the interchange where Interstates 40 and 77 meet, a key connection point for two of North Carolina's busiest highways.
The product – improved safety and mobility for thousands of drivers who use it each day.
North Carolina Senator Vickie Sawyer applauded the project's enhancements to the region, commenting “this visionary undertaking not only streamlines travel but also opens new avenues for economic growth and visitor engagement. The NCDOT's forward-thinking approach and commitment to excellence have significantly bolstered our city's position as a thriving hub for tourism and commerce."
Originally built in the 1960s, the interchange went through a two-phase facelift, starting in 2012 and achieving completion this year. Various improvements include:
- Widening I-77 from Jane Sowers Road to Salisbury Road
- Widening I-40 from Radio Road to Old Mocksville Road
- Building a partial turbine interchange connecting both interstates
- Building collector/distributor lanes from I-40 East to I-77
- Widening E. Broad Street from Vine Street to Signal Hill Drive
- Replacing bridges on U.S. 64 and Broad Street
- Replacing bridges on I-77 over I-40 and Fourth Creek
- Widening bridges on I-40 over the U.S. 21 collector/distributor loop