NCDOT widening Interstate 95 in Lumberton

I-95 passes right through the heart of Lumberton. Unlike other cities, there is no bypass.

So, the interstate traffic mixes with city traffic that causes congestion. The dot is about to widen an eight-mile section of the interstate from 4 lanes to eight.

"It really should have been widened to 6 lanes years ago. And we're doing it to eight lanes so that... When the project is completed... It will give you more capacity for years to come," said Andrew Barksdale, NCDOT spokesperson.

This section of I-95 was under water from flooding caused by Hurricanes Matthew and Florence.

"It was flooded and looked like a river... And you could actually have boats on it. It was closed for a week or so... Each time. And so we are going to be elevating huge sections of of the highway," said Barksdale

Stop signs to get on the highway will be replaced with smooth flowing roundabouts.

In addition to widening the road, the bridge at Exit 19 is going to be replaced and NCDOT says they plan to lengthen those ramps so it will be easier for motorist to get on and off Interstate 95.

The $432 million project was awarded this week, but it will be sometime before it’s completed.

"It'll probably start next summer ... take about four years, so 2022 to 2026," said Barksdale.