The U.S. 17 Hampstead bypass proposed construction timeline has been accelerated, officials announced Monday.
Construction of the first portion of the Hampstead Bypass, from N.C. 210 to north of Hampstead, began earlier this year. Plans to begin the second portion of the project, N.C. 140 to N.C. 210, are to move from fall 2026 to summer 2025.
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North Carolina Department of Transportation and Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization, or WMPO, officials agreed to adjust multiple projects in the draft 2024-2033 State Transportation Improvement Plan, including this one.
“I am glad we agreed to move this project forward,” said NCDOT Division 3 Engineer Chad Kimes in a statement. “Together, NCDOT and WMPO understand how important it is to the people who live, work and visit the area.”
When both sections are complete, the project is expected to improve safety and relieve congestion around Hampstead, officials said.
NCDOT and WMPO also agreed to adjust the proposed timelines of two other projects. The upgrading of intersection of U.S. 76 at Greenville Loop Road and Greenville Avenue is planned to begin in 2029. Widening U.S. 421 from N.C. 132 to Sanders Road and constructing flyovers at U.S. 421 and N.C. 132 is set to begin in 2027.
The draft 2024-2033 STIP can be viewed online and is to be updated to reflect the changes above.
