WSTB

Recently riding on the Beltway from the Salem Parkway to University Parkway, I was struck at beautiful the drive is along that stretch. It has some beautiful views of the countryside with mountains in the background you will see in the Triad. I wonder how much development will occur in this quadrant in the coming decades.

Hopefully none.

I had hoped to see a direct exit off I74/Northern Beltway to Smith Reynolds to bolster its image, future growth, and perhaps the possibility of carrier service again? As designed, the only exits closest are US311 and Baux Mountain Road, which do not feed directly to the airport. It’s too bad an exit was not accommodated at Liberty Street (Old Walkertown Road).

I concur. It’s a huge and glaring omission. I want to hear Mayor Joines’ explanation for this. It’s outrageous actually.

Wow.....this is a very good point but honestly it doesn't surprise me!

I wholeheartedly concur, but short of building a new road, where would the exit be? As I understand it Old Walkertown Rd. is too close to the 311 interchange to make it viable (see link below). Salem Parkway to 52 is probably the best choice for northbound traffic. Hopefully the I-285 improvements will help us out regarding improved connectivity to INT. In an ideal world the land bounded by I-74, Old Walkertown Road, US 311 (south and east), and US 52 would be available to INT for growth.
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/r ... /index.cfm

Article in The Journal from yesterday:
https://journalnow.com/business/local/t ... 1293b.html

US 52 is being upgraded to interstate status through Winston Salem, there's really no need for a direct road from the Northern Beltway to Smith Reynolds.

It seems North Liberty Street will be an adequate exit from I 285 once extended. Also, it's only about 2 miles from I 74 via Old Walkertown Road, which should be adequate with minor improvements.

The City is now seeking NCDOT money ($49.4 million) to widen and upgrade U.S. 52 from Pinnacle to the Northern Beltway. U.S. 52, between RJR Drive / Moore Road and the Northern Beltway (Exit 118 to Exit 122 on U.S. 52), will be widened to Six lanes. The shoulder and other upgrades will continue from RJR Drive / Moore Road to Pinnacle, near Pilot Mountain (Perch Road / Exit 129), but that stretch will remain as four lanes.

Great news - this should speed up bringing it to Interstate standards for I 74 (I 77E it should be).