The N.C. Dept. of Transportation will take another step toward upgrading U.S. 74 in Robeson County to interstate standards by constructing a $6.7 million overpass at Creek Road, near Orrum.
DOT last week awarded a contract to BMCO Construction Inc. of Lumberton to construct a bridge carrying Creek Road over the highway. The project will replace the reduced-conflict design that redirects Creek Road drivers into turning right onto the highway.
The new bridge will enhance safety and improve mobility along the corridor, said Andrew Barksdale of the DOT. It also supports NCDOT’s long‑term goal of converting U.S. 74 in southeastern North Carolina into Interstate 74, which requires replacing at‑grade intersections with interchanges featuring bridges, ramps and loops.
In recent years, the department has upgraded other at-grade intersections along U.S. 74 into interchanges, including these two near Creek Road:
- Broadridge Road/Exit 219
- NC 72/NC 130/ Exit 223
For the safety of the workers and the traveling public, access between the highway and Creek Road will be closed during the two-year construction period that is expected to begin this fall. During this time, drivers on Creek Road should use either nearby interchange to safely enter or cross U.S. 74.
An east-facing view of Creek Road approaching U.S. 74, where drivers are redirected into turning right. This reduced conflict intersection will be upgraded into an overpass.
