2016 NC metro population updates

[rnc2mbfl]

Originally Posted by HP91

My point wasn't saying that Raleigh and Charlotte shouldn't get road improvements based on their growth rates...they absolutely should.

My point is you can lump Southeastern NC/Wilmington area right along side of them. Its a three horse race, not two.

And those areas that have limited access highways can accommodate high growth, those that don't can not.

I think its fairly comical that I-87 is the focus and not the Corrolla bridge in Currituck County (which affects traffic in Dare County as well). Just look at traffic counts and growth rates and you will see which is the higher priority project in just that region. I-87 does little to nothing to help improve traffic in the high growth counties.

While almost all of the I87 corridor is in NC, its value will be to the Hampton Road ports who get a new Interstate access for goods shipped into the southern Piedmont. As it stands now, the only Interstate access from Hampton Roads is northward to Richmond. At over 1.8 million people, Hampton Roads has a singular Interstate access similar to greater Wilmington.

[LM117]

Originally Posted by rnc2mbfl

While almost all of the I87 corridor is in NC, its value will be to the Hampton Road ports who get a new Interstate access for goods shipped into the southern Piedmont.

Depends on how you look at it. Only part of I-87 would be useful for goods shipped to the Piedmont and beyond. It's shorter to take US-58 from Hampton Roads and drop down I-95 at Emporia (infamous US-58 speed traps notwithstanding) and take I-87 from Rocky Mount to Raleigh. Now, if goods were being shipped to eastern NC, then yes, the direct link of I-87 and I-64 would serve Hampton Roads well in that regard.

Either way, I-87 was designed to benefit eastern NC. The whole "Raleigh-Norfolk" argument was used as a means to an end. It's already allowed Greenville to have an interstate since it set up US-264 to eventually become I-587. It also set up the NC-11/US-13 corridor between I-42 in Kinston & I-87 in Bethel to possibly become another interstate connecting Kinston and Greenville with Hampton Roads.

However, I would not count on Virginia building their part of I-87. The state has shown zero interest and there has been no mention of I-87 by VDOT or from the governor. Hampton Roads, like other areas of the state, has to compete with the powerhouse that is Northern Virginia. Guess who usually wins that battle...

[HP91]

The Tidewater area is actually the perfect example of what I'm talking about in regards the Wilmington. I'm not that concerned about access into Wilmington as much as I am concerned with access AROUND it. The road to Charlotte is not over traveled, its the roads around Wilmington that are.

Tidewater has a significant Interstate system around it...a Loop...a Interstate road to Va Beach. Tunnels, bridges. It also doesn't get everything it needs, but at least it has the ability to grow without gridlock. North Carolina needs to start thinking about Southeastern NC the way southeastern VA is set up.

Wilmington area has gridlock...and its getting worse...13% worse since 2010. Bridges are way overcapacity, main roads are way over capacity. No ability to move traffic. And it contributes its fair share to the state coffers. The State is more worried about replacing drawbridges to beach islands (for the Raleigh summer crowd) than they are installing high capacity bridges that will allow access into and out of the City....and reduce congestion within it.

[Tarheelhombre]

Any links to articles on Wilmington congestion?