Future Interstate 685 North Carolina

Interstate 685 North Carolina
Sanford, NC ↔ Greensboro, NC•100.00 miles

Overview

Interstate 685 is a proposed route overlaying the U.S. 421 corridor from I-95 near Dunn northwest to Sanford, Siler City and I-85 at Greensboro. Language in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill signed into law in November 2021 designated over 100 miles of U.S. 421 as a High Priority Corridor. This action allows the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to request a future Interstate designation from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).1

Mileage by State

North Carolina100.00 mi

Data Sources

December 31, 2021 Interstate Route Log and Finders List

History

Proponents of I-685 in 2021, including area business and civic leaders in addition to local and state officials, envision economic growth possibilities in the Carolina Core region along the new corridor. The designation is also part of the Piedmont Triad Partnership's long range strategic vision for the Carolina Core. The three year effort advocating for the future Interstate designation also cited improving access to Fort Liberty near Fayetteville as well as aiding in evacuation during natural disasters. Additionally seven counties along the route passed resolutions endorsing Future I-685.1

Planned development along the corridor includes the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite. Located along U.S. 421 in Randolph County, origins of the megasite go back to 2015 when the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite Foundation was formed. Together with Randolph County government and the North Carolina Railroad Company, land purchases commenced on the 1,800 acre site. Toyota announced the construction of a new $1 billion battery plant for the megasite in December 2021.2

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) approved the application for the establishment of Interstate 685 in North Carolina at the Route Numbering Committee 2022 Spring Meeting. The decision is contingent upon approval from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

North End I-85 US 421 ‐ Greensboro, NC

U.S. 421 North at Interstate 85

US 421 north one mile ahead of Interstate 85 at Greensboro, NC

U.S. 421 north meets Interstate 85 north at a cloverleaf interchange (Exit 197) in a half mile. 07/28/24

US 421 north one mile ahead of Interstate 85 at Greensboro, NC Joseph M. Hunt, Jr. Expressway extends north from US 421 into Greensboro, NC US 421 joins I-85 south to bypass Greensboro, NC

South End US 1 US 421 ‐ Sanford, NC

Interstate 85 North at U.S. 421

US 421 south separates with I-85 north for the Future I-685 corridor at Greensboro, NC

U.S. 421 southbound parts ways with Interstate 85 north at Exit 126 and J.M. Hunt, Jr. Expressway (SR 3762), where Interstate 685 is proposed to begin. 07/28/24

References

  1. Infrastructure bill clears way for future I-685. (2021, November 19). The Sanford Herald.
  2. Key figure in developing megasite sees good things for Randolph County coming out of disappointment. (2022, April 11). WGHP TV-8.
Updated January 5, 2025