The  Federal Highway Administration has approved the state’s application to add U.S. 264 between Zebulon and Greenville to the Interstate Highway System as Future Interstate 587. This marks the final step in the approval process for the designation.

 

“Designating U.S. 264 to Greenville as a future interstate is a great milestone that will help fulfill our goal of connecting North Carolina,” said Governor Pat McCrory. “Future Interstate 587 will become Greenville’s first connection to a major interstate corridor, and this is terrific news for both eastern North Carolina and our entire state.”

 

Governor McCrory directed the N.C. Department of Transportation to submit an application to designate U.S. 264 as a future interstate from the U.S. 264/64 split in Zebulon to Greenville in September. This is North Carolina’s third future interstate designation this year. In May, Governor McCrory gained two future interstate designations: I-42 for the U.S. 70 corridor between I-40 and Morehead City and I-87 for U.S. 64/17 between Raleigh and the Virginia state line. 

 

“Governor McCrory and I want to thank all parties that were involved in making this future interstate designation a reality,” Transportation Secretary Nick Tennyson said. “Creating stronger connections to jobs, education, healthcare and recreation through improved transportation infrastructure is a critical part of Governor McCrory’s 25-Year Vision for transportation in North Carolina.”

 

Greenville is the largest city in North Carolina currently not served by an interstate highway. Interstate connectivity plays a key role in business recruitment and retention. This new designation will support greater economic development, improve access to East Carolina University and its medical center, and strengthen regional mobility.