Future Interstate 44
The US 64 east freeway is Raleigh's first and only direct free-flow highway link to the northern and mid-Atlantic states. An Interstate designation for the US 64 freeway east of Raleigh would be a logical addition to the overall Interstate system, as it would provide a direct northbound Interstate connection between the North Carolina state capital and the most prominent east coast Interstate, I-95 at Rocky Mount.
The RTA supports a "future Interstate" designation from Raleigh to the Hampton Roads region of Virginia via Rocky Mount and Elizabeth City, North Carolina, consistent with the existing Federal High Priority Corridor 13 from Raleigh to Norfolk. The corridor would be expected to follow the US 64 east freeway from I-40/I-440 at Raleigh, east past I-95 at Rocky Mount towards Tarboro and Williamston, NC and then travel the US 17 corridor via Elizabeth City, NC, and then connecting to the cities of Chesapeake and Norfolk, Virginia in the Hampton Roads region.
We are initially seeking clarification of the existing high-priority corridor language.
From (current language):
"FHWA high priority corridor 13: Raleigh-Norfolk Corridor, Raleigh, North Carolina, to Norfolk, Virginia."
To (requested clarified language, with proposed changes in bold):
"FHWA high priority corridor 13: Raleigh-Norfolk Corridor, Raleigh, North Carolina, to Norfolk, Virginia via Rocky Mount and Elizabeth City, NC."
Rationale. This clarification will highlight the critical link from Raleigh to the rest of the mid-Atlantic and northeast (via I-95 north at Rocky Mount) and the connection via northeastern North Carolina (via Elizabeth City) to Hampton Roads.
References: US Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 - H.R. 2950, sec 1105 (sample map, description of high priority corridor 13).
Upon clarification of the language and subsequent designation of the corridor as "Future I-44" (or similar), the economic development benefits associated with the future Interstate designation can commence.
View I-44 Raleigh-Hampton Roads in a larger map
More than 50% of the existing corridor from Raleigh to Hampton Roads via Rocky Mount and Elizabeth City is already built to freeway standards. The entire US 64 corridor from Raleigh to Williamston is built to freeway standards, with the vast majority of mileage posted at 70 MPH. The US 64-264 Knightdale bypass in Wake County already meets all Interstate standards. Some sections of the US 17 corridor are also freeway in the vicinity of Windsor, Edenton, and Elizabeth City, NC.
The City of Chesapeake has existing proposals to create three new interchanges on US 17/Dominion Boulevard. The Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization passed a resolution in 2010 endorsing the imparovements to US 17/Dominion Boulevard as a regional, high priority project. In addition, VA 168 is an existing turnpike freeway from I-64 to near the North Carolina border.
A future Interstate corridor designation from Raleigh to Hampton Roads via Rocky Mount and Elizabeth City, NC would require approval by the State of North Carolina, the Commonwealth of Virginia, AASHTO, and FHWA. Corridors approved as a future Interstate generally require improvements to be completed within a 25 year window. However, clarification of the high priority corridor routing in North Carolina should eliminate the 25 year completion requirement.
The upgrades needed for an Interstate designation for existing freeway sections generally revolve around changes to shoulder and bridge widths, bridge clearances, and pavement thicknesses. Recent NCDOT estimates of additional costs per county between I-440 at Raleigh and I-95 at Rocky Mount – above and beyond other expected improvements along the corridor – range from around $5m in Wake, $8m in Franklin, and $50m in Nash counties, assuming no design exceptions.
If the corridor were subsequently approved as a future Interstate, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) would assign the Interstate number, which could be a two-digit east-west route like I-44, I-46, I-52, I-62 or a two-digit north-south route like I-93, I-89, or I-91. Designating the corridor as "Future I-44" (e.g.) would allow for the economic development benefits associated with the future Interstate designation to begin now.
Economic Development Benefits of Future Interstate Designation for US 64 east of Raleigh
The opening of the new US Highway 64 freeway has provided a significant boost to the economy of eastern Wake County. The towns of Knightdale, Wendell, and Zebulon have all benefited from the improved traffic flow and accessibility to downtown Raleigh and the Research Triangle Park. Designating the section of US 64 from I-440 east to at least I-95 as a future interstate would add to the economic impact that has already occurred.
Transportation is one of the major factors that site selectors evaluate when making decisions on the location of new businesses that provide jobs and investment in our community. Having Interstate access is a very important part of this determination, and communities with excellent access to Interstate highways are at a competitive advantage. An Interstate designation will have a very positive impact on the marketing efforts of Wake County and the region as well as providing improved traffic flow and safety.
Designating US 64 as an Interstate would enhance the attractiveness and marketability of not only Wake County but also Franklin County which currently has two interchanges on US 64 but no direct connection to any Interstate highways. The Franklin County Board of Commissioners have focused on the development of southern Franklin County to take advantage of the eastward growth of Wake County. 
A future Interstate designation would afford the southern portion of Franklin County with a direct Interstate connection linking the county with north-south I-95 and east-west I-40 and help catalyze growth in a distressed area of Franklin County.
Executive Director, Wake County Economic Development
Ronnie Goswick
Director, Franklin County Economic Development Commission
Travel and Tourism Benefits of Future Interstate Designation for US 64 corridor east of Raleigh
Greater Raleigh has invested over $3 Billion in new tourism infrastructure over the past two years. Tourism directly employs over 18,000 people in Wake County alone and generates over $1.5 Billion in direct expenditures. Ease and simplicity of access is extremely important to our region’s success and a future Interstate designation would help attract visitors from the population centers to the northeast. The majority of the visitors to the Capital area come from within a five hour driving radius which includes Virginia and Maryland travelers heading south via I-95.
Drivers want to avoid stop lights when traveling and a future Interstate designation from I-95 to Raleigh would help convey that they have a direct shot to Wake County and the Capital region. Printed and electronic/online maps would begin incorporating the future Interstate designation which would make it easier for visitors to come the Capital City. In addition, we also believe that the Interstate designation would spur more growth and development in eastern Wake County, southern Franklin County, and Nash County along and near the corridor.
Dennis Edwards
President and CEO
Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau
Resolutions in support of Future Interstate designation along US 64 east of Raleigh
MPO/RPO/local government
Capital Area MPO - Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Kerr-Tar RPO - Thursday, October 13, 2005
Upper Coastal Plain RPO - Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Rocky Mount Area MPO - Monday September 19, 2005
Franklin County Board of Commissioners - Monday, October 2, 2006
Regional Transportation Alliance (RTA) and Chamber of Commerce
RTA - Thursday, January 13, 2011 and Thursday, May 12, 2005
Cary Chamber of Commerce - Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Franklin County Chamber of Commerce - Thursday, September 7, 2006
Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce - Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Garner Chamber of Commerce - Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Knightdale Chamber of Commerce - Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce - Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Economic Development
Northeast North Carolina Commission - Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Research Triangle Regional Partnership (RTRP) - Thursday, October 13, 2005
Carolinas Gateway Partnership (Rocky Mount area) - Thursday, May 19, 2011 and Thursday, August 17, 2005
Travel and Tourism
Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau - Tuesday, May 17, 2005
