After more than two decades of construction, the final stretch of the Fayetteville Outer Loop, also known as Interstate 295, is officially open, completing a 39-mile road designed to ease traffic congestion and boost economic growth across the Sandhills region.
State and local leaders gathered Tuesday morning for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the western portion of the highway, which stretches from U.S. 401 Business north of Fayetteville to Interstate 95 near the Cumberland-Robeson county line. Construction on the loop began in 1999, with the first section opening in 2003.
The nearly $1 billion project was finished five months ahead of schedule. Officials said the interstate now provides direct, uninterrupted connectivity from Fort Bragg to I-95.
“It shows commitment. It shows the vision and how important vision is,” Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin said. “Not only will it ease some of the traffic pressures we’ve seen as other legs of 295 opened, but the economic activity that is taking place with housing and retail that supports that housing activity. We’re looking forward to a great addition to the Sandhills region.”…