U.S. 74 ramp to I-26 to be complete the end of May 

COLUMBUS—Drivers have probably noticed in the last few weeks that paving is being done on a new ramp to connect U.S. 74 to Interstate 26 East.  

The project is finally moving along after heavy rains stalled the project since last year.  

The North Carolina Department of Transportation said this week that the project should be complete by the end of May.  

The total project was estimated at $19 million to include new ramps to connect Interstate 26 and U.S. 74 in both directions without having to get off in Columbus and go around the roundabouts. One section was completed prior to the World Equestrian Games last September, which connected Interstate 26 West to U.S. 74. The other section will connect U.S. 74 directly to Interstate 26 East.  

NCDOT officials said last year that the new ramp to connect U.S. 74 West to Interstate 26 East (Ramp F; from the Tryon International Equestrian Center to Greenville/Spartanburg, S.C.) would be completed in the spring of this year.  

Initial plans were for the ramp to be complete by last fall, prior to the World Equestrian Games at TIEC in September. Mother nature had other plans as last year was one of the wettest in recent history. Temperatures also had to be at least 40 degrees for the compacting and paving.  

The project began in October 2017 so drivers along Interstate 26 and U.S. 74 could directly access each road without having to exit in Columbus at the roundabouts.