The U.S. 70 Bypass around Goldsboro will be re-signed as Interstate 42 and given new mile markers and exit numbers this fall.

The N.C. Department of Transportation has received federal approval to re-designate the 20-mile bypass as I-42. This project is part of the department’s long-term plan to convert U.S. 70 to interstate standards from I-40 in Wake County to Morehead City as sections of it are upgraded.

State transportation officials say having a national interstate connecting military bases, the Morehead City port and cities in eastern North Carolina will improve travel and safety and support new economic opportunities. This Goldsboro section has a junction with I-795, which connects with I-587 and I-95 in Wilson.

Sign and Exit Changes

A total of 82 metal signs will be replaced along the U.S. 70 Bypass around Goldsboro. Another 108 existing signs will be retained, but receive an “overlay” adhesive that replaces U.S. 70 symbol for the I-42 shield.

In addition, almost 80 mile marker signs will be replaced to reflect the new numbering. For instance, the highway’s interchange with N.C. 581, now signed as Exit 351, will become Exit 35.

The new I-42 mile markers and exit numbers will increase going eastward as NCDOT further develops the future I-42 corridor; and they will decrease going westward – to mile marker 1 where I-40 and U.S. 70 converge outside Clayton.

The sign installation along the Goldsboro bypass will begin Monday. The installation will take several weeks and require occasional daytime lane closures, so drivers should be mindful of crews and equipment.

South of Raleigh, the department plans to erect the I-42 signs and new exit numbers along 10 miles of U.S. 70 between I-40 and the U.S. 70 Business interchange east of Clayton early next year.