Remarks for Secretary Tippett
U.S. 64/264 Bypass Ribbon Cutting
Friday, July 8, 2005
9 a.m.
INTRODUCTION
Good Morning.
Thank you, Ken, for that kind introduction.
You have done a commendable job on the Board of Transportation, and it is an honor join you as we open a new and vital project for this region and the entire state.
I'd like to recognize the legislators that have taken time out of their busy schedules to be here -I'm so pleased that you could join us today.
I'd also like to give special recognition to Vecellio & Grogan and North Carolina Constructors, the contractors on this project, along with Division Engineer Jon Nance, Resident Engineer Steve Leonard and the IMPACT team, led by Construction Director Steve DeWitt, who all worked together to make this bypass a reality.
Thank you also to David Bissette and Doug Ramsey, lead DOT inspectors on the project, along with Donald Pearson of our Roadside Environmental Unit, who went the extra mile on this project.
Several assistant resident engineers worked equally as hard on the bypass - William Cates, Andrew Barry, Ed Craver and Christy Wright.
OPENING OF U.S. 64/264 BYPASS
We are here to celebrate the completion of the U.S. 64/264 Knightdale Bypass from I-440 to the existing U.S. 64 east of Knightdale.
Today's opening marks the beginning of a new era for transportation mobility for communities east of Raleigh.
After today, the existing U.S. 64 will be known as U.S. 64 Business, and the highway that surrounds us will be known as the U.S. 64/264 Bypass.
I share your enthusiasm for this corridor, as it is expected to increase mobility and leave a lasting impact on this entire region and the state as a whole.
This highway joins a network of interstates, loops and bridges that is bringing us one step closer to accomplishing Governor Easley's goal for One North Carolina.
Recognizing the importance of this corridor to the community, our contractors worked tirelessly with the department, beginning nearly three years ago, to ensure that citizens would have access to the bypass as early as possible.
As a result of their teamwork and innovative thinking, this goal has been achieved.
DESIGN-BUILD PROCESS
This is the fourth highway project to be completed in North Carolina using a relatively new process called design-build, where contractors perform the design and construction work as part of a single project.
As a result, the overall project delivery time was reduced significantly - by at least one year.
Additionally, because of the dedication of our contractors and DOT staff, we are opening the bypass several weeks ahead of the August 2005 completion date.
BENEFITS TO MOTORISTS
This bypass is certainly good news for local residents and employees who rely upon U.S. 64 for their daily travels to and from Raleigh.
It is expected to shorten the commute from Raleigh to Knightdale by at least 20 minutes, and during rush hour, the time saved is even greater.
I know Knightdale residents look forward to less congestion on the existing U.S. 64 - making the trip to schools, medical facilities and jobs much more efficient.
Locals will also appreciate four new interchanges at New Hope Road, Smithfield Road, Hodge Road and Rolesville Road that provide easy access to communities and businesses.
In fact, we are standing on one of these interchanges, the New Hope Loop.
We still have some work to do on this loop, as well as the Poole Road and U.S. 64 Business interchange, but we did not want citizens to wait for a much-needed relief from congestion any longer.
I've also been told Mudcats fans are enthusiastic about the new corridor, as it is expected to improve traffic flow to and from the games.
Mudcat fans are just one of many groups who will benefit from this new bypass.
The bypass will also improve travel to the Outer Banks and to the Wilson and Greenville areas as well.
Wherever citizens are travelling, they can call 511, our toll-free travel information line, and find out the latest travel conditions on the bypass and other vital highways throughout the state.
As you can see, we are dedicated to providing transportation projects that will increase mobility that in turn, lead to more economic opportunities.
IMPACT ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
This project joins a list of projects across the state that are advancing economic growth through improved mobility and access.
By building new highways like the U.S. 64/264 Bypass, we are paving the way for a safe and interconnected transportation system that will continue to provide jobs and economic opportunities for communities throughout North Carolina.
According to the Road Information Program, every $1 in highway spending has a $5.70 impact on the economy.
Based on these numbers, this nearly $180 million project will make an economic impact worth over $1 billion for Knightdale and its surrounding communities.
CONCLUSION
Although today marks the completion of most of the project, this ceremony is really just the beginning.
Many new opportunities lie ahead for eastern North Carolina.
More people and companies will come to recognize us not only as the good roads state, but also a good state to call home.
Rest assured, we will remain committed to providing a quality transportation infrastructure that boosts economic development and improves the quality-of-life for the great citizens of North Carolina.
The U.S. 64/264 Knightdale Bypass will help us to do this today and for many years to come.
At this time, I'd like to ask Mayor Boyd, former Mayor Jones and legislators to join me in cutting the ribbon to official open the bypass.
Thank you all for your participation.
Back to Index