The 182-mile stretch of Interstate 95 in North Carolina was built between 1956 and 1980 as a four-lane interstate highway. Over the years, there were not any major improvements or widening done to the interstate.

Beginning in the early 2000s, the N.C. Department of Transportation undertook several studies to evaluate how to upgrade I-95 and what those improvements would cost. By 2009, NCDOT determined the venerable highway needed a thorough assessment for planning purposes. After completing a Financial Plan Update​ for I-95 in 2016, NCDOT began identifying and prioritizing sections of the interstate to improve using the Strategic Transportation Investments process. Federal grants that were awarded to NCDOT in 2018 and 2019 helped speed up some of the I-95 construction contracts.

NCDOT intends to widen the interstate to either six or eight lanes, replace bridges and interchanges to meet modern design standards, and make other improvements so the highway is more resilient against floodwaters. The upgrades will improve safety, ease congestion and help ensure the highway can manage anticipated growth in traffic.

NCDOT has funded five widening projects in the current State Transportati​on Improvement Program (STIP)​ that are spread over Robeson, Cumberland, Harnett and Johnston counties Click on each project below to view maps, estimated costs, timelines and other details.

Also listed are smaller funded projects that will upgrade I-95 with taller and wider bridges that will allow for future widening.