Remarks for Secretary Tippett
I-295 Fayetteville Outer Loop Ribbon Cutting
I-295 River Road Exit
Friday, July 8, 2005
11:30 a.m.
Introduction
Thank you Mac, for that introduction.
You have done a commendable job representing this area on the Board of Transportation and it is an honor for me to join you on this occasion.
I'd like to give special recognition to Mayor Pro Tem Lois Kirby who has worked with Mayor Pitts and the Fayetteville City Council to promote transportation progress in and around Fayetteville.
As many of you probably know, Fayetteville is the place I call home.
I was involved in some of the first discussions of this highway more than 35 years ago, which makes this event especially meaningful to me.
I'd like to thank our legislators and local officials for participating in today's event.
I'd also like to acknowledge BMCO and S.T. Wooten Corporation for their outstanding work as general contractors on this project.
They worked hand-in-hand with DOT Division Engineer Terry Gibson, Division Construction Engineer Tracey Pittman and Resident Engineer Randy Wise to make this highway a reality.
Let's give all of them a round of applause.
I-295's First Segment
Today we are celebrating the opening of the first segment of the Fayetteville Outer Loop, which is officially designated as I-295.
This 7.5-mile segment may extend from I-95 to U.S. 401 (Ramsey Street), but the benefits of the new section reach even farther.
As a resident of Fayetteville, I know that area residents will appreciate the improved mobility and access to northern parts of the city and county.
Some of our residents have already had a glimpse of the connectivity this new highway will provide.
A short segment was opened in July 2003, which connected residents in the Eastover Community with Ramsey Street by way of a new bridge over the Cape Fear River that is part of this project.
Now, those motorists and people in northern Cumberland County, will have convenient access over the Cape Fear River to I-95.
In fact, motorists in the northern areas will now save an average of 8 miles and 17 minutes on their trip to I-95.
Even better, everyone in the Fayetteville area will benefit from the opening of this new section.
I-295 will help relieve congestion and improve traffic flow throughout the city as motorists begin to use the outer loop to access I-95.
Economic Potential
Today's ribbon cutting marks the opening of a new highway in Fayetteville; moreover, it opens new doors to economic opportunity for both northern Fayetteville and Cumberland County.
This segment of I-295 is a $42 million investment for this region.
According to the Road Information Program, every $1 in highway investment has a $5.70 impact on the economy.
Based on these numbers, this first section of the Fayetteville Outer Loop will make an economic impact worth over $239 million for Fayetteville, Cumberland County and this region.
The value of this project will only continue to rise as more people and businesses migrate to this growing area.
NCDOT's Commitment to Loop Projects
The construction of loop roads is a vital part of the continued growth of our state's metropolitan areas.
In 1989, the North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation setting up the Highway Trust Fund to finance the construction of seven urban highway loops.
Over the years, the number of loops has been expanded, including the addition of the Fayetteville Loop in 2003.
Funding authorized by the N.C. Board of Transportation for these loops to date totals $2.8 billion, including $6.6 million for the Fayetteville Loop.
In addition, approximately $1.2 billion is allocated for loop projects in the final 2006-2012 State Transportation Improvement Program for loop projects, including $258 million for the Fayetteville Loop, which is more than any other loop in the state.
Future Progress of I-295
Today's opening is only the beginning of the Fayetteville Outer Loop.
In 2008, we will begin construction of the next segment, which will extend the outer loop nine miles to the All-American Freeway.
This $200 million segment will also give Fort Bragg its first direct connection to an interstate route.
Once the entire loop is complete, it will connect Cliffdale Road, U.S. 401 (Raeford Road) and northern Robeson County to I-95, completing a 35-mile corridor around the city.
As construction progresses on this and other projects throughout the state, I'd like to remind motorists that our free travel information hotline, 511 is a valuable tool that can help motorists plan their trips and know what to expect on the road ahead.
Conclusion
As you can see, we are committed to building efficient highways that will deliver outstanding results.
And, as we continue to make progress on this project and other vital highways for this area, I ask you to take full advantage of the highway that surrounds us and the wonderful opportunities that it holds.
At this time, I'd like to invite Mac, Mayor Pro Tem Kirby and legislators to join me in cutting the ribbon to officially open the first segment of the Fayetteville Outer Loop.
Thank you for joining us to celebrate this important milestone.
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