What's left of the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, you ask? We've got some answers for you

City Editor Kellina spoke with Division 9 Engineer John P. Rhyne, who took the post after Pat Ivey announced his retirement in November 2024. Here's an overview of the efforts state and county officials are making to help ease traffic congestion in and around Winston-Salem.

Note: This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity purposes.

What is the current status of the I-74 beltway?

Currently, three sections are under construction:

Northern Beltway that ties into US 52 is expected to be complete spring 2025
Southern ties into I-74/US 311 is halfway complete with a projected opening date in 2026
I-74 that connects I-40 and ties into US 421 is expected to be complete summer/fall 2026

The eastern Beltway through Kernersville is now accessible to traffic.

Have you seen any changes so far [on roads that are completed]?

We have seen traffic increase on the sections that is open and we have heard from a lot of citizens that it has decreased their travel time. If they're traveling north toward Mt. Airy and that direction from say Greensboro, it's decreased their travel time by 15 to 20 minutes. We hope as the entirety of that eastern section is complete by 2026 — that will receive a reduction in traffic on US 52.

How are these road projects funded?

The Department of Transportation has a capital program. It's called the STIP, State Transportation Improvement Program and it is reevaluated every two years. Projects across the state compete for funding in that program [...] The remaining pieces of the Northern Beltway on the western side of Forsyth County are in that STIP and competing for funding. There's still three pieces to get down to I-40, those are not funded at this point.

Project AA and AB are currently under construction, projects B, C, D, E, and F are completed. | Photo courtesy of NCDOT

Last time a challenge seemed to be vacancy rates, is that still prevalent today?

We're around 15 % vacancy rate, that's less than previously when it's been in the 20%. We've had better success but we are always recruiting engineers, technicians, mechanics, surveyors.

Editor's Note: Check out job openings here.

Taking on a passion project

Rhyne is no stranger to the area. He grew up in Lewisville and has lived in Forysth County for a major part of his life while working for NCDOT for nearly 30 years.

"I'm excited to finish the Eastern half of the Beltway in the next two years and I look forward to the western half of the Beltway getting underway in 2030," Rhyne said. "That's been a long time coming. The completion of those projects will alleviate some of the traffic concerns in."

Getting involved

Got a say on what roads should be prioritized? Share your comments online for the 2026-2035 STIP through Friday, April. 4. Residents can also drop by NCDOT Division 9 Office (375 Silas Creek Pkwy.) Monday, March 3 through Friday, March 7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.