I-40/I-77 NC Interchange to be improved

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced $417.3 million in grants is available to fund projects ranging from interstate maintenance to research into innovative bridge materials and construction methods. 

“Transportation investments like these will create jobs, increase mobility, improve quality of life for all Americans and strengthen our national economy,” said Secretary LaHood. “The demand from the states for these funds shows just how critical the need is for infrastructure investment.” 

 Among the grant recipients, North Carolina received $3.75 million to improve the I-40/I-77 interchange near Statesville. The project is the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s top priority and, when completed, will reduce traffic congestion and improve safety. When the current interchange was built in the late 1960s, it was expected to handle only 5,000 vehicles each day. Currently, the ramps carry about 70,000 vehicles per day. 

Colorado received $3.76 million to help with accelerated bridge construction techniques that will speed completion of its replacement of the Pecos Street Bridge over I-70. These techniques will allow the bridge to be put in place all at one time, over a 50-hour period, instead of disrupting traffic over 12 months.  

“The list of state highway projects in need of financial help grows almost daily,” said Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez. “We are glad to see these funds put to use but recognize there is still much to do to meet America’s transportation needs.”  

A state-by-state list of the FY11 grants is available at www.fhwa.dot.gov/pressroom/fhwa1137.htm