Transportation Association Recommends Approval of Future Interstate Designation for U.S. 264 to Greenville

Press Release

Governor Pat McCrory announced today that the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials approved the state's application to add U.S. 264 between Zebulon and Greenville to the Interstate Highway System as Future Interstate 587. The application is now under consideration by the Federal Highway Administration for final approval.

"The state's application to designate U.S. 264 to Greenville as a future interstate has cleared a major hurdle in the approval process, which is a good indication that it will become a reality in the very near future," said Governor McCrory. "I am hopeful that Future Interstate 587 will be approved and become Greenville's first connection to a major interstate corridor."

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 designation would support greater economic development, improve access to East Carolina University and the medical center, and strengthen regional mobility.

"Governor McCrory and I want to thank our congressional delegation, local officials, businesses and citizens for their strong support of this future interstate designation," 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."

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. If approved, this will be 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. The new request begins where Future I-87 splits from U.S. 264.

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