NCDOT Meets with Laurel Hill residents to discuss I-74

Laurel Hill is the only town along the US 74 stretch that sits between the Rockingham and Laurinburg Bypass. (Old Hundred is more of a tiny crossroads.)

The meeting basically was a chance to let local residents know the possible options for building I-74 through the area. Option 1 is a total upgrade of the at-grade US 74 to Interstate standards. The other option would be upgrading US 74 but with a bypass of Laurel Hill. The bypass would run slightly north then slightly south of the town.

No idea on the cost but it says the project could take seven to 10 years to complete.

Story Link: http://www.fayettevillenc.com/article?id=243246

Commentary:

This is the first clues to what NCDOT may do with building I-74 from Rockingham to Laurinburg. most of the route will be upgraded to a limited access highway from the divided four lane today. US 74 through here is rural with a few small homes and produce stands bordering it. There is one stoplight at NC 144 in Laurel Hill. Most of the town is on the north side of US 74.

The one possible obstacle is the CSX tracks which in Laurel Hill parallels US 74 (also on the north side of the highway. The road is years away but it is nice to have an idea what could possibly happen.

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