Big changes ahead for Burke County roads and transit

Burke County residents can expect major transportation upgrades in the coming years, as outlined in a summary presentation last week by the Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG).

The brief presentation was made to Burke County Commissioners during its agenda meeting in preparation for its monthly meeting on Feb. 17. A detailed plan will be presented during that meeting.

The named projects include highway expansions, interchange improvements, new bike lanes, sidewalks, and public transit services. All are designed to improve safety, reduce congestion, and boost economic growth.

Averi Ritchie, transportation planning manager with WPCOG, gave the presentation. The projects are part of the Greater Hickory Metropolitan Planning Organization (GHMPO), which includes Burke County.

Among the projects mentioned were:

Road & Highway Improvements

I-40 Interchange Upgrades

Exit 118 (Old NC 10)

Start: Right of way acquisition in 2025

Construction: 2026

Completion: 2027

Purpose: Improves safety, reduces congestion, and modernizes access.

Exit 103 (Burkemont Road)

Start: Unfunded, awaiting approval

Estimated Completion: To be determined

Purpose: Reduces traffic bottlenecks, improves interchange efficiency.

NC-181 Widening Project (U-5836)

Start: Right of way acquisition in 2027

Construction: 2029

Completion: 2030

Purpose: Expands the road from St. Mary’s Church Road to Morganton city limits, adding bike lanes and sidewalks.

Goat Farm Road Industrial Access (R-5967)

Start: 2023 (ongoing construction)

Completion: 2025

Purpose: Supports Burke Business Park expansion by improving industrial road access.

Bicycle & Pedestrian Improvements

Downtown Morganton Greenway Connector (EB-5807)

Start: 2021 (ongoing)

Completion: 2025

Purpose: Extends walking and biking paths to connect key parts of downtown Morganton.

N.C. 126 Sidewalk Project (BL-0141)

Start: Right of way acquisition in 2026

Construction: 2027

Completion: 2028

Purpose: Improves pedestrian safety and access from Benfield’s Landing to Eastside Burke Avenue in Nebo.

College Street Multi-Use Path (EB-5978)

Start: 2026

Completion: 2027

Purpose: Adds pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure from North Green Street to US 70 in Morganton.

Public Transit Expansion

New On-Demand Microtransit Service

Launch Date: Spring 2025

Purpose: Flexible public transit that serves rural areas with same-day ride scheduling.

Asheville-to-Salisbury Passenger Rail Study

Grant Secured: 2024

Study Completion: 2026

Service Launch (if approved): Early 2030s

Purpose: Evaluates the feasibility of passenger train service linking Asheville, Morganton, and Salisbury. A $500,000 federal grant is funding research for the project.