State studying interstate connections near PTI
What: The state is studying how to connect roads near Piedmont Triad International Airport that will eventually become Interstate 73.
A feasibility study recently began to determine the best way to bring future traffic from the planned N.C. 68/U.S. 220 connector to Interstate 40, roads that are slated to become I-73. Greensboro transportation planners received an update on the study Wednesday.
The path: The state is looking at four roughly 15-mile corridors that I-73 could follow. Two options will be briefly studied, but are likely to be ruled out. The two serious candidates would skirt the edge of the airport and require the state to build a roughly three-mile road.
Why it's needed: Greensboro transportation officials say it is critical to determine the route of I-73 before land is gobbled up by development.
"There's a lot of development and potential development at the airport," said Mike Mills, the lead engineer for the N.C. Department of Transportation in Greensboro.
Cost: The cost has not been identified.
Timeline: The study to help determine which path the road should take will last two years. Construction start dates have not been determined.
Local officials hope the state will complete the study more quickly.
- Amy Dominello
