Interstate 73

"I-73" redirects here. For the Japanese submarine, see Japanese submarine I-73. For the British destroyer, see HMS Stanley (I73).

Interstate 73 marker
Interstate 73
Map
I-73 highlighted in red
Route information
Length101.1 mi[1][2] (162.7 km)
Existed1997–present
NHSEntire route
Major junctions
South end US 220 near Ellerbe
Major intersections
North end US 220 / NC 68 near Stokesdale
Location
CountryUnited States
StatesNorth Carolina
Highway system

Interstate 73 (I-73) is a north–south Interstate Highway, currently located entirely within the US state of North Carolina. It travels 93.5 miles (150.5 km), from south of Ellerbe, North Carolina to northeast of Stokesdale, providing a freeway connection to Greensboro and Asheboro. Other than a short 9.5 mi (15.3 km) segment near the Piedmont Triad International Airport west of Greensboro, the interstate runs concurrently with at least one other route.[3][4][5][6][7]

I-73 was planned to be a much longer corridor, defined by various federal laws to run from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. North Carolina continues to build sections of the route, while South Carolina has shown support for building it but is still searching for funds. However, once active projects are completed, it will only run from Myrtle Beach to the North Carolina-Virginia state line along U.S. Route 220. Michigan abandoned the project in 2001, diverting the funds to safety improvement projects along the corridor instead.[8] Virginia completed initial planning, but also abandoned the project in 2024 due to lack of funding. Ohio did not show interest in the project, as its corridor is either served by existing freeways or four-lane highways. West Virginia is building its section, mostly along US 52, as a four-lane divided highway, but not meeting the Interstate Highway standards.[9]

Associated with these plans are those for the extension of I-74 from Cincinnati to Myrtle Beach, with several highway overlaps contemplated.

  1. ^ Adderly, Kevin (January 30, 2018). "Table 1: Main Routes of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways as of December 31, 2017". Route Log and Finder List. Federal Highway Administration. Archived from the original on September 19, 2023. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  2. ^ "Interstate 73 in North Carolina" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved October 26, 2013.
  3. ^ Siceloff, Bruce (February 21, 2008). "I-40 Bypass Opens in Greensboro". The News & Observer. Raleigh, North Carolina. p. b5. OCLC 11750106.
  4. ^ Wireback, Taft (September 16, 2008). "Old I- 40 Gets Back on Track". News & Record. Greensboro, North Carolina. p. A1. ISSN 0747-1858.
  5. ^ Nadolny, Tricia L. (July 31, 2009). "Mapping by Car". News & Record. Greensboro, North Carolina. p. A1. ISSN 0747-1858.
  6. ^ Hall, Tony (March 28, 1997). "State Making Good Progress on Interstates". News & Record. Greensboro, North Carolina. p. B2. ISSN 0747-1858.
  7. ^ MacCallum, Tom (January 8, 2008). "Ellerbe Bypass Opens After Years of Construction". Richmond County Daily Journal. Rockingham, North Carolina.[page needed]
  8. ^ Stiles, Linda (June 13, 2001). "Funds for I-73 Instead Will Be Used to Repair Routes 127, 223". Jackson Citizen Patriot. p. A1. OCLC 9939307.
  9. ^ "Is I-73 Still Coming to Michigan?". 100.7 WITL. March 25, 2024. Archived from the original on June 19, 2024. Retrieved June 19, 2024.