Interstate designation to benefit Sanford, region

Mark Rogers, The Sanford Herald, N.C.
·2 min read

May 21—LIBERTY — Regional transportation, economic development, business and elected leaders gathered on Monday in the Carolina Core to celebrate the designation of U.S. 421 as Future Interstate 685 with a sign unveiling event.

"Today's unveiling of the Future Interstate 685 sign is a true testament to the collaboration and teamwork that is fueling our economic momentum here in the Carolina Core," Loren Hill, Carolina Core Regional Economic Development director," said. "Thanks to the collective efforts of our partners at the state, local and federal levels, this future interstate designation will help further increase our region's economic competitiveness, while improving connectivity and commerce throughout the state."

The event was held in Randolph County, immediately adjacent to the just finished bridge over U.S. 421 at the under-construction Toyota Battery Manufacturing plant. In addition to Hill, speakers at the event included N.C. Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins and N.C. Department of Transportation Board member Lisa Mathis.

The designation means Sanford and Lee County will have an interstate running through them, something Sanford Area Growth Alliance CEO Jimmy Randolph said could be a major benefit to economic development.

"We've enjoyed the benefits of a near-interstate quality connectivity with Greensboro for years now, but to have that shield — that official 685 interstate designation — really makes a difference for economic development marketing purposes for our region," he said. "That's beyond the practical realities of an improved transportation network. The requirement for many companies from a connectivity standpoint are that you be within x number of miles of an interstate. While we've enjoyed the benefits of U.S. 1 and the great connectivity to 540 and the Triangle and a great highway between us and Greensboro for years, not having that shield affects us in being able to submit our community for some projects."

In November 2021, congressional legislation passed designating U.S. 421 from I-85 to I-95 as Future I-685. Next, regional leaders are pursuing a second Future Interstate designation for the segment of U.S. 421 from Wilkesboro to I-40 in Winston-Salem.

This progress marks a significant achievement for the Piedmont Triad Partnership, which named the Future Interstate designation as a key strategic initiative when unveiling the Carolina Core in 2018.

Since that time, leaders have announced $20 billion in capital investment and more than 50,000 new jobs across the Carolina Core.

"Yes, it's a great day for us," Randolph said. "I really look forward to the day when we have the ribbon cutting and the shields are up all along the road. This is a wonderful next step along that road toward having an interstate that runs right through Sanford."