The construction limits will cover mile markers 13-21. This project will construct two additional travel lanes in each direction between mile markers 13-21, bringing the total number of lanes from four to eight. Every bridge along this stretch will be replaced with ones that are higher, longer and wider. The on- and off-ramps will be improved, and some will have roundabouts to improve safety and mobility.
The project also proposes to elevate the roadway to enhance resiliency against future flooding. The highway will be constructed on retaining walls for a majority of its length to minimize right-of-way impacts.
Interstate 95 in the vicinity of Lumberton experienced major flood events after Hurricane Matthew in October 2016 and Hurricane Florence in September 2018. Both storms resulted in the partial or complete shutdown of the highway within the project limits until floodwaters receded.
In particular, the Lumber River flooded both I-95 bridges (one going in each direction) during both hurricanes. For this construction project, both bridges will be replaced with a single bridge that will be 10 feet higher than the original bridges. The new bridge will carry all eight lanes over the Lumber River.
Along with reduced mobility, the loss of the interstate corridor during a storm impedes emergency services and interstate commerce, and hinders military preparedness. The project will raise vulnerable sections along I-95, making it more resilient against future flooding.
On Sept. 29, 2021, NCDOT awarded a $432 million design-build contract, which is an alternative way to deliver a project. The Morrisville-based joint venture of Flatiron Constructors Inc. and United Infrastructure Group Inc. will complete the design, permitting and property acquisition for NCDOT before the contracting team begins construction by the summer of 2022.
Construction began in September 2022 with an original completion date set for the summer of 2026. Since then, NCDOT has revised the completion date to late 2027 because of unforeseen issues involving railroad right of way, land acquisition needed for this project and delays relocating utility lines, such as for power and natural gas.