The North Carolina Department of Transportation awarded a $185 million contract Thursday for part of the U.S. 17 project.
The project will improve safety and traffic flow in Pender and New Hanover counties. It averages 43,500 vehicles daily.
The contract is for the construction of the U.S. 17 Hampstead Bypass, a four-lane, divided highway that will run for 5.6 miles. Work includes interchanges with bridges, ramps, and loops.
In addition, raised medians and reduced conflict intersections will be constructed on nearly a mile of U.S. 17 between the new bypass and an area north of Sloop Point Road.
“This is a major milestone and marks a huge leap in improving how people will travel in southeastern North Carolina, especially between Wilmington and Hampstead,” Chad Kimes, Division 3 engineer, said. “This bypass will also make a big difference in the congestion U.S. 17 is now experiencing in this fast-growing region.”
The department awarded the contract to Conti Civil of New Jersey. Work is scheduled to begin this spring and must be completed, according to the contract, by autumn 2026.
The department will award a contract in 2026 for the other segment of the U.S. 17 Hampstead Bypass, from N.C. 140 to west of N.C. 210.