Image of NC Interstate 74 shield (from Shields Up!) Segment 3

Part of NCDOT 2023-24 State Transportation Map showing I-74 Segment 3 area, July 2023

Where:  US 52/I-74 interchange, south of Mt. Airy, Surry County to Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange in Rural Hall, Forsyth County

Length:  24 Miles

Needed:  Upgrade to Interstate Standards

Signed as: Image of US 52 shield (from Shields Up! Thumbnail of Future I-74 Corridor Sign

Work to Start: After 2035?

Go to Photos (*NEW as of 2/16/25*)

Go to Videos (*NEW as of 12/13/24*)

Segment Information

From the end of the I-74 freeway near Mt. Airy, I-74 is to use the current US 52 freeway to just north of Winston-Salem. This freeway was originally built in 1960s and is not up to current interstate standards1 (Interstates have higher specifications than normal freeways, some of specs include (at least) 12' wide lanes, 12 foot wide right shoulders, 10 foot wide left shoulders, 36 foot (in rural areas) or 10 foot medians (urban or mountainous areas), and design speeds of either 60 mph (urban) or 70 mph (rural). (For more about interstate standards, see this AASHTO page).

Early Attempt to Sign US 52 as Interstate 74

When the routes for I-73 and I-74 were finally agreed to in 1996, NCDOT asked that US 52 be signed as Interstate 74 south to NC 65 (where I-74 is to be routed off onto the eastern half of the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, See the I-74 Segment 4 page) and the US 52 freeway through Winston-Salem to I-40 signed as 'Temporary I-74.' This last proposal was rejected by AASHTO, however, which suggested that this part of US 52 could simply be signed 'To I-74'.2 The FHWA then refused to allow NCDOT to sign the rest of US 52 as I-74 because the road was not to interstate standards, nor Future I-74 because projects to upgrade the road were unfunded. Instead, they allowed NCDOT to sign the route as a 'Future I-74 Corridor.' An example of one of these signs is below. In order for NCDOT to sign the route at least as Future I-74, projects to improve the freeway must be funded in the state's transportation program. A project to upgrade the highway had been listed in the yearly State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) documents starting in 1999, but as unfunded. That project, No. I-4404, to upgrade the roadway to interstate standards was estimated to cost $101 million for both right-of way and construction.3 Given the revised NCDOT STIP procedure enacted in 2012 that only funded highway projects with construction to start within the next ten years are listed, this project has not appeared since, up through the latest Draft 2026-2035 STIP released in January 2025.

NCDOT Studying Other Alternatives

In the Draft STIP released in September 2012, a new listing appeared for this segment, a scheduled Feasibility Study (No. FS-1209A) to look further into the best ways of upgrading the 21.3 mile corridor to interstate standards.4 Looking through NCDOT's list of feasibility studies after 2012, there has been no listing for FS-1209A (or under I-4404), indicating that this study was never released. In reality, the highway's shoulders in Forsyth and Stokes Counties are actually quite close to interstate standard widths, after a recent upgrading of the road. In 2010 further construction work was done to upgrade the shoulders along with repaving the highway. The southern end of these projects were near the location of the planned Winston-Salem Northern Beltway (near NC 65). US 52 south of there is being upgraded to remove some of the problem interchanges, but this project to bring the road up to interstate standards is unrelated to I-74, go to my Interstate 285 page for more details. In 2011, a new interchange was opened up on US 52 in the town of King. The interchange and roadway 1/4 mile surrounding it were built to interstate standards (see photos below). Further projects to replace currently substandard bridges in both Forsyth and Stokes are underway or planned including the replacing of the bridge carrying NC 65 (Bethania-Rural Hall Road) over US 52. Work started in 2017 and upgraded US 52 around the bridge from mile markers 114 to 116 as part of the project building the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway . Work was completed in late 2019.5

New Moneys Move Up Beltway Interchange Work, but not US 52 Upgrade

In the fall of 2015, NC Governor McCrory announced changes made to the state's budgeting process that allows for greater funding for NCDOT construction projects. Among the projects highlighted to be completely funded was the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway (see I-74 Segment 4) which would meet US 52 as part of a revised NC 65 interchange. With the approval of the newly funded projects by the Board of Transportation in January 2016, NCDOT scheduled a Design-Build project (R-2247ED) to reconstruct the NC 65 exit for the future US 52/Northern Beltway interchange to be let on September 20, 2016 and to start later in the fall of 2016.6 In 2018, NCDOT announced it had moved up the schedule for completing the Eastern Section of the Beltway and let contracts to build the remaining formerly unfunded sections from US 311 to US 52. Work is to be completed by 2023. An NCDOT official in discussing the awarding of the contract to build the I-74/US 52 interchange said that upgrading US 52 to interstate standards, though a subject of state highway planners, was still a long-term project. He mentioned the need to widen shoulders, upgrade certain bridges, and that the hilly terrain in some areas might have to be leveled. He gave no timetable for this work.7 In another newspaper article in July of 2019, NCDOT Pat Ivey, the division engineer for the N.C. Department of Transportation in Forsyth County also expressed that updating US 52 was a long-term project but that ?At the very least, (we should have) enough ?future? signage to where everyone will know this is I-74 (see Sign Plans below).?8 There have been a few bridge upgrade projects which have included shoulder widening in the vicinity including an interchange upgrade to the King/Tobaccoville exit at the Forsyth/Stokes County line, a bridge in Stokes County and another bridge in Surry County (see photos below). As part of the contract building the Beltway, substandard shoulders along US 52 between the future interchange and the upgraded highway at the King/Tobaccoville exit in Forsyth County were widened in the early summer of 2021 (see April 2023 Street View photos below) as part of a project that also repaired some of the concrete roadway slabs. As part of the same project US 52 is being widened to 3 lanes between the Beltway and Westinghouse Road and the road brought up to interstate standards. Traffic was to be moved onto the new southbound (Future I-74 East) lanes between Westinghouse Road and NC 65 the weekend of May 4-5, 2024 (see Photos below). A project to upgrade the US 52 bridges over Toms Creek in Surry County with interstate standard versions began in the summer of 2024. US 52 already has interstate standard shoulders in that county south/east of Exit 136, Cook School Road, meaning only a 4 mile segment between there and the I-74 exit in Mt. Airy would need future shoulder widening. A division contract in Stokes County to repave 7.5 miles of US 52 between Main Street in King and the Little Yadkin River bridges was let in April 2024, which included shoulder reconstruction but did not include widening.

No other projects were listed as funded for further improvements to US 52 in Stokes and Surry Counties however in the Final 2024-2033 STIP released in June 2023, meaning, officially, no upgrade work is planned until after 2033. A list of potential projects and their quantitative scores for the 2026-2035 STIP was released in May 2024. It includes 3 upgrade to interstate standards projects for US 52. The first from NC 65 (Exit 118) to the King/Tobaccoville interchange, currently Exit 123. This project calls for upgrading the route to interstate standards and widening it to 3 lanes in each direction (much of this has already been accomplished south of Westinghouse Road, Exit 120, as part of the project building the Beltway interchange, as discussed above). The cost is estimated at $136 million, but may include the work between Exits 120 and 118. The second is from Exit 123 to SR 1147 (Perch Road), Exit 129 that would bring the freeway to interstate standards by adding 12' paved right shoulders, 4' paved median shoulders, interchange improvements, and intermittent bridge replacements. The cost is estimated at $62.5 million. The third would perform similar work in Surry County from the Stokes County line to the current I-74 exit in Mt. Airy, that is estimated to cost $154 million. None of these projects though scored particularly well under NCDOT's cost-benefit formulas at the state level (67.91, 60.15 and 51.14) to indicate that they would be included in the next STIP. This became a fact when the Draft 2026-2035 STIP was released in late January 2025. As it appears no, I-74 will not be signed until at least after 2035.

SIGN PLANS

In August 2022, NCDOT released plans for the letting of the last segment of the I-74 section of the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway. Among those plans were new exit numbers to be assigned to US 52 based on I-74 mileage. They were not, however, signing the route as I-74. That is to wait until after the last sections are completed. Instead they are to place Future I-74 signs along the route in both directions. On February 26, 2025 NCDOT announced that work had begun on creating foundations along US 52 that would hold new signage with I-74 mileage based exit numbers, new mile marker would be installed as well. Work placing the signs would start a week or two after the foundations would be installed, most likely by early April.

Here are the plans for Future I-74 signs and the new exit number tabs, heading east from Mt. Airy:

Image of plan for Future I-74 sign along US 52 in Surry, Stokes and Forsyth Counties, NCDOT August 2022        Plan for Future I-74 sign to go up along both sides of US 52.

Image of plan for new exit number tab with I-74 milepost number to be placed on 2 miles advance sign for I-74 exit on US 52 in Surry County, NCDOT August 2022The plans show that I-74 will get the new number (18), exiting itself, similar to what happens with I-73 in Greensboro. Perhaps this will change when I-74 is routed along US 52.

Image of plan for new exit number tab with I-74 milepost number to be placed on sign for Cook School Road exit on US 52 South in Surry County, NCDOT August 2022The plans for the 1 1/4 Miles advance sign for Cook School Road, to be Exit 20, though the 2025 press release says it will be Exit 21.

Image of plan for new Left exit number tab with I-74 milepost number to be placed on sign for Pilot Mountain on US 52 South in Surry County, NCDOT August 2022The plans for the 1/4 Mile advance sign for the Pilot Mountain Left Exit on US 52 South, to be Exit 21.

Image of plan for new exit number tab with I-74 milepost number to be placed on sign for NC 268 exit on US 52 in Surry County, NCDOT August 2022The plans for the exit and gore signs for the NC 268 Exit on US 52 North, to be Exit 23, though, again the NCDOT 2025 announcement has a different number, 24.

Image of plan for new Left exit number tab with I-74 milepost number to be placed on sign for Pilot Mountain State Park on US 52 South in Surry County, NCDOT August 2022The plans for the 1/4 Mile advance sign for the Pilot Mountain State Park Left Exit on US 52 South, to be Exit 26. Though NCDOT now says 27.

Image of plan for new exit number tab with I-74 milepost number to be placed on sign for the Pinnacle exit on US 52 in Stokes County, NCDOT August 2022The plans for the 1 Mile advance sign for the Pinnacle exit on US 52, to be Exit 28, or perhaps now 29.

Image of plan for new exit number tab with I-74 milepost number to be placed on exit and gore sign for King Tobaccoville exit on US 52 in Forsyth County, NCDOT August 2022The plans for the exit and gore sign for the King/Tobaccoville exit on US 52 South, which was to be Exit 33, but now is 35.

Image of plan for new exit number tab with I-74 milepost number to be placed on sign for the 1 mile advance for the Moore-RJR Drive exit on US 52 in Forsyth County, NCDOT August 2022The plans for the 1 Mile advance sign for the Moore-RJR Drive exit on US 52, which was to be Exit 34, but now is 36.

The exit sign for Westinghouse Road (current Exit 120) was not part of the design-build contract for the Beltway interchange with US 52 and had no published sign plans. The 2025 press release indicates it will become Exit 39 and the US 52 exit number will match that on NC 74 West, 41.

Comment: Instead of the planned Future I-74 signs, NCDOT should put up 'To East I-74' or 'To West I-74' trailblazer signs paired with US 52 reassurance markers when the Beltway is completed in 2026 to connect the route to the surrounding completed I-74 signed segments. AASHTO approved them to do just this in 1997. This would provide a continuous freeway route with I-74 signs from the Virginia border south to beyond Rockingham. [Currently, as part of the signage upgrade to the then US 311 freeway when it officially became I-74 in 2014, signs were added to both US 52 South prior to I-40 and to I-40 West prior to the US 52 exit which listed 'To I-74 Use (the I-40 East or US 52 North) Exit, see Segment 5 page for photo.]

"Drive" This Segment Using Google Map's Street View from April to September 2024 (Updated 12/24/24)

Future I-74 West at US 52: Prior to US 52 North Exit (April 2024)

Future I-74 East at King/Tobaccoville Exit: Prior to US 52 South Off-Ramp (September 2024)

Future I-74 East at Westinghouse Road Exit: Prior to US 52 South Off-Ramp (September 2024)

Future I-74 West at NC 65: From new US 52 North Off-Ramp to NC 65 (September 2024)

Videos from this Segment

NEW-Driving US 52 South as part of Big Rig Travels Wytheville to Haw River Live Stream Video, taken on Dec. 11, 2024. US 52 segment starts about 45 minutes into the video.

Video Driving US 52 (Future I-74) from Mt. Airy through Winston-Salem on the way to Welcome, NC on I-285 by Driving Around NC, posted April 22, 2024. Construction along US 52 at the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway is seen around the 28 minute mark.

Dashcam video from TJElevatorfan of US 52 and NC 74 East showing US 52 Beltway interchange construction, posted March 16, 2024

RoadwayWiz Videos of this Segment

Taken during the summer of 2021. Judge for yourself how close the segment is to Interstate standards.

     US 52 North:         Exits 111 to 120            Exits 120 to 129            Exits 129 to 141 (Includes part of Andy Griffith Pkwy)Image of RoadwayWiz logo

     US 52 South:        Exits 141 to 129            Exits 129 to 120            Exits 120 to 111 (Includes part of Future I-285)


Photos from this Segment

*** NEW PHOTOS ***

Photos taken along US 52 South (Future I-74 East) by Alex Nitzman on December 31, 2024.

Image of newly placed 1 1/4 Miles advance overhead sign for Westinghouse Road exit on US 52 North (Future I-74 West) in Rural Hall, by Alex NitzmanThe overhead 1/2 Mile advance APL for US 52 South prior to the NC 65 off-ramp.

Image of recently placed overhead APL ramp sign for the US 52 South exit at the beginning of NC 74 (Future I-74) East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway in Rural Hall, by Alex NitzmanOverhead signage at the split of US 52 South at the beginning of NC 74 East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway.

Screen grabs from Google Maps Street View coverage along US 52 North (Future I-74 West) in December 2024.

Image of newly placed 1/4 Mile advance overhead sign for Westinghouse Road exit on US 52 North (Future I-74 West) in Rural Hall, Google Maps Street View image, December 2024New overhead 1/4 Mile advance for Westinghouse Road on US 52 North after the NC 65 on-ramp, this is more like 1/2 mile from the exit though.

Image of newly placed North US 52 reassurance marker after NC 65 exit on-ramp on Future I-74 West in Rural Hall, Google Maps Street View image, December 2024Newly placed North US 52 North reassurance marker after the NC 65 on-ramp, will the West I-74 marker be installed next to it, or will both appear on a small green sign?.

Image of recently placed overhead ramp sign for Westinghouse Road exit on US 52 North (Future I-74 West) in Rural Hall, Google Maps Street View image, December 2024Overhead exit sign, and exit only banner, for Westinghouse Road on US 52 North.

Screen grabs from video from Big Rig Travels traveling south on US 52 (Future I-74 East) on December 11, 2024.

Image of newly placed overhead signs at ramp for Westinghouse Road exit on US 52 South (Future I-74 East) in Rural Hall, screen grab from Big Rig Travels video, December 2024New overhead signs at the ramp for the Westinghouse Road exit. Notice the new US 52 exit (image was taken in the rain, unfortunately) is numbered with US 52 mileage, not the planned new I-74 mileage, suggesting that renumbering may not happen until I-74 is signed on the Beltway in 2026.

Image of newly placed overhead signs at ramp for Westinghouse Road exit on US 52 North (Future I-74 West) in Rural Hall, seen heading south, screen grab from Big Rig Travels video, December 2024Back of a new overhead sign northbound for the Westinghouse Road exit seen heading south onto the new 3-lane version of US 52 South which starts at the end of the on-ramp ahead.

Image of lack of gore sign at permanent split of ramp for US 52 South from start of NC 74 (Future I-74) East in Rural Hall, screen grab from Big Rig Travels video, December 2024The start of NC 74 East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway at the split with US 52 South, notice there is currently no gore sign at this location.

Image of newly placed overhead signs at ramp for NC 65 exit on US 52 South after the split from NC 74 (Future I-74) East in Rural Hall, screen grab from Big Rig Travels video, December 2024New overhead signs at the ramp for the NC 65 exit. Currently there are no overhead signs mentioning this exit approaching on US 52 South, only the preexisting ground mounted versions.

EARLIER IN 2024

Screen grabs from video from Big Rig Travels traveling north on US 52 (Future I-74 West) on October 7, 2024.

Image of traffic on US 52 North (Future I-74 West) using temporary lanes between NC 65 and the Westinghouse Road exit, Big Rig Travels, October 2024Heading north on US 52 towards the Westinghouse Road exit, work still continuing on the left to complete the permanent lanes.

Image of traffic on US 52 North (Future I-74 West) using temporary lanes between NC 65 and the Westinghouse Road exit, Big Rig Travels, October 2024View across US 52 South at Westinghouse Road showing interchange being used as storage area for future overhead sign support posts.

Google Maps Street View images from September 2024. These were taken prior after the opening of the new US 52 South lanes but prior to the final alignment at the Beltway exit:

Image of traffic using the new US 52 South (Future I-74 East) lanes after the Westinghouse Road exit in Rural Hall, Google Maps Street View, September 2024Traffic now using permanent US 52 South/Future I-74 East lanes beyond the Westinghouse Road exit.

Image of median construction along US 52 South (Future I-74 East) after the Westinghouse Road exit in Rural Hall, Google Maps Street View, September 2024Some median work remaining to be completed along US 52 South/Future I-74 East  beyond the Westinghouse Road exit.

Image of end of median construction from the new US 52 South (Future I-74 East) lanes after the Westinghouse Road exit in Rural Hall, Google Maps Street View, September 2024Construction continues in the median approaching the merge from the Westinghouse Road exit.

Image of start of completed section of the new US 52 South (Future I-74 East) lanes in Rural Hall, Google Maps Street View, September 2024End of median construction at end of merge from the Westinghouse Road exit. The VMS is the first advance sign for the NC 74 / Beltway exit.

Image of temporary lane striping along the new US 52 South (Future I-74 East) lanes in Rural Hall, Google Maps Street View, September 2024Completed roadway currently striped for two lanes, will be expanded to 3 when work on the Beltway interchange is completed.

Image of unopened left lane along the new US 52 South (Future I-74 East) lanes in Rural Hall heading towards the NC 65 exit, Google Maps Street View, September 2024The future left lane heading south is more obvious approaching the 1/2 mile advance sign for NC 65.

Image of temporary VMS used as 1/2 mile advance sign on the new US 52 South (Future I-74 East) lanes in Rural Hall, Google Maps Street View, September 2024The 1/2 Mile advance 'sign' for the NC 74 East Beltway exit with the split of lanes approaching.

Image of start of split of lanes between NC 74 East and the new US 52 South exit ramps prior to NC 65 in Rural Hall, Google Maps Street View, September 2024Approaching the split of roadways between NC 74 (Future I-74) to the left, still using the future westbound roadway, and US 52 to the right.

Image at split of lanes between NC 74 (Future I-74) East and US 52 South prior to NC 65 exit in Rural Hall, Google Maps Street View, September 2024The Street View vehicle using the completed US 52 South exit side at the split with the Winston-Salem Beltway / NC 74 East.

Screen grabs of images taken from Google Maps Street View along US 52 north of the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange, heading northbound in April 2024:

Image of traffic on US 52 North using future C/D lane from Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange while current US 52 South traffic uses future US 52 North lanes, Google Maps Street View, April 2024US 52 North lanes still using future C/D ramp from Winston-Salem Northern Beltway beyond the NC 65 exit as US 52 South uses the future permanent north lanes.

Image of traffic on US 52 North passing temporary merging traffic sign on future C/D lane from Winston-Salem Northern Beltway approaching on-ramp from NC 65, Google Maps Street View, April 2024A temporary merging traffic sign approaching the on-ramp from NC 65 along the future C/D ramp from the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway.

Image of traffic on US 52 North using future C/D lane from Winston-Salem Northern Beltway at merge with traffic from NC 65, Google Maps Street View, April 2024A permanent barrier has been installed to separate US 52 North traffic using the future C/D ramp from current US 52 South using the future permanent northbound lanes.

Image of traffic on US 52 North at end of future C/D lane from Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange separated from current US 52 South traffic using future US 52 North lanes, Google Maps Street View, April 2024US 52 North approaching the end of the future C/D ramp with now temporary concrete barriers separating traffic from US 52 South.

Image of traffic on US 52 North at end of future C/D lane from Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange separated from current US 52 South traffic using future US 52 North lanes, Google Maps Street View, April 2024US 52 North at the end of the future C/D ramp merging onto the permanent US 52 North (Future I-74 West) lanes.

Image of traffic on US 52 North at 1 Mile advance sign for Westinghouse Road using 1/2 of permanent lanes while other half is for current US 52 South traffic, Google Maps Street View, April 2024A new temporary 1 Mile advance sign for Westinghouse Road on US 52 North. Half the future northbound lanes being used for US 52 South traffic.

Image of traffic on US 52 North approaching the Westinghouse Road exit using 1/2 of permanent lanes while other half is for current US 52 South traffic, Google Maps Street View, April 2024More concrete barriers separate the permanent northbound lanes from the part being used for US 52 South traffic.

Image of traffic on US 52 North approaching the Westinghouse Road exit using 1/2 of permanent lanes while other half is for current US 52 South traffic, Google Maps Street View, April 2024More construction is needed to complete the future northbound lanes approaching the Westinghouse Road exit.

Image of traffic on US 52 North (Future I-74 West) approaching the Westinghouse Road exit using 1/2 of permanent lanes while other half is for current US 52 South traffic, Google Maps Street View, April 2024Completed landscaping can be seen along the right shoulder approaching the Westinghouse Road exit.

Image of traffic on US 52 North (Future I-74 West) near the Westinghouse Road using 1/2 of permanent lanes while other half is for current US 52 South traffic, Google Maps Street View, April 2024Approaching the Westinghouse Road exit on US 52 North (Future I-74 West).

Image of traffic on US 52 North (Future I-74 West) at the Westinghouse Road exit using 1/2 of permanent lanes while other half is for current US 52 South traffic, Google Maps Street View, April 2024A new temporary exit sign for Westinghouse Road on US 52 North. A groove for the permanent median barrier can be seen between the two temporary concrete barriers on the left.

Image of traffic on US 52 North at end of the Beltway interchange construction zone after the Westinghouse Road off-ramp, Google Maps Street View, April 2024Approaching the end of the Beltway construction zone on US 52 North. Turning around...

Image of traffic on US 52 South at the on-ramp from Westinghouse Road at the start of the Beltway interchange construction zone, Google Maps Street View, April 2024US 52 South lanes at the Westinghouse Road on-ramp starting their transition over to use half of the  nearly completed new US 52 North lanes.

Image of traffic on US 52 South after the on-ramp from Westinghouse Road in the Beltway interchange construction zone, Google Maps Street View, April 2024Work continues on completing the new US 52 South (Future I-74 East) lanes after the Westinghouse Road exit, still not all paved.

Image of construction on future US 52 South (I-74 East) lanes after the Westinghouse Road exit in the Beltway interchange construction zone, Google Maps Street View, April 2024A closer look at the future US 52 South lanes still being graded after the Westinghouse Road exit.

Image of start of paving on future US 52 South (I-74 East) lanes after the Westinghouse Road exit in the Beltway interchange construction zone, Google Maps Street View, April 2024The start of paving of the future US 52 South lanes starts about 1/2 mile from the Westinghouse Road exit.

Image of one lane getting pavement on future US 52 South (I-74 East) lanes 1/2 mile prior to the NC 65 exit in the Beltway interchange construction zone, Google Maps Street View, April 2024One of the future US 52 South lanes has gotten some preliminary paving approaching 1/2 mile from the NC 65 exit.

Image of construction trucks on future US 52 South (I-74 East) lanes prior to the NC 65 exit in the Beltway interchange construction zone, Google Maps Street View, April 2024Construction trucks traveling along the future US 52 South lanes.

Image of worker cars parked on future US 52 South (I-74 East) lanes prior to the NC 65 exit in the Beltway interchange construction zone, Google Maps Street View, April 2024Guardrail work has been completed on this part of the future US 52 South lanes, being used here as a parking lot for project workers.

Image of paved future US 52 South (I-74 East) lanes prior to the NC 65 exit in the Beltway interchange construction zone, Google Maps Street View, April 2024The future US 52 South (I-74 East) lanes become fully paved as you get closer to the NC 65 exit. Meanwhile, a VMS still serves as an advance sign for the NC 74/Beltway exit.

Image of paved future US 52 South (I-74 East) lanes prior to the NC 65 exit in the Beltway interchange construction zone, Google Maps Street View, April 2024The old NC 65 exit sign still stands while the pavement of the future lanes appears completed to the right.

Image of construction along the start of the future ramp for the NC 65 exit in the Beltway interchange construction zone, Google Maps Street View, April 2024A truck travels along the future exit ramp for NC 65 exit seen while approaching the current exit ramp.

Image of construction on the future NC 65 exit ramp as seen from current US 52 South in the Beltway interchange construction zone, Google Maps Street View, April 2024A closer look at paving along the future NC 65 exit ramp to the right of the current exit gore sign.

Image of graded future US 52 South (I-74 East) lanes after to the NC 65 exit in the Beltway interchange construction zone, Google Maps Street View, April 2024The future US 52 South (I-74 East) lanes are still only graded after the NC 65 exit. Meanwhile, traffic on the current lanes is splitting between US 52 and the NC 74 Beltway.

Image of US 52 South (Future I-74 East) lanes merging back to permanent lanes prior to the NC 65 bridge in the Beltway interchange construction zone, Google Maps Street View, April 2024Traffic back on the permanent US 52 South (I-74 East) lanes approaching the NC 65 bridge. Construction vehicles sit along the unopened section.

Image of US 52 South (Future I-74 East) lanes passing under the NC 65 bridge in the Beltway interchange construction zone, Google Maps Street View, April 2024A temporary barrier separates the completed future NC 74 East lanes from US 52 South heading under the NC 65 bridge.

Image of site of future split of lanes between NC 74 (Future I-74) East and US 52 South lanes after the NC 65 bridge in the Beltway interchange construction zone, Google Maps Street View, April 2024The future site of the split of US 52 South from the NC 74 (Future I-74) East Winston-Salem Northern Beltway lanes beyond the NC 65 bridge.

EARLIER PHOTOS

Photos of construction around the newly opened US 52 interchange with the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway from screen grab images from a video by Driving Around NC in late April 2024:

Image of median construction along US 52 near the Westinghouse Road interchange at start of Winston-Salem Beltway interchange construction project, screen grab from Driving Around NC video, April 2024Looking south after the Westinghouse Road exit at median construction still ongoing as part of the Beltway interchange project.

Image of ongoing paving along future US 52 South (Future I-74 East) lanes after the Westinghouse Road interchange as part of Winston-Salem Beltway interchange construction project, screen grab from Driving Around NC video, April 2024 US 52 traffic still using future northbound lanes while permanent south lanes are being paved between Westinghouse Road and the NC 65 exit.

Image of VMS still being used as 1/2 Mile advance sign for NC 74 exit while permanent lanes are being paved as part of Winston-Salem Beltway interchange construction project, screen grab from Driving Around NC video, April 2024Temporary VMS still being used for 1/2 Mile advance for NC 74 East/Winston-Salem Beltway exit. Permanent southbound lanes to the right were opened over the weekend of May 4-5 (with, hopefully some permanent signs).

Image of new southbound lanes being paved for US 52 approaching the NC 65 interchange in the Winston-Salem Beltway interchange project work zone, screen grab from Driving Around NC video, April 2024Permanent southbound lanes appear to have had final layer of pavement approaching the NC 65 exit on US 52 South (Future I-74 East). This ramp was also shut down the weekend of May 4-5 to allow for the tie in of the new southbound lanes with the NC 65 ramp.

Image of US 52 South at the NC 65 interchange and approaching the Winston-Salem Beltway interchange still under construction, screen grab from Driving Around NC video, April 2024Approaching the NC 65 exit with left side VMS indicating approach of NC 74 East/Beltway exit ramp still using future I-74 West lanes.

Image of current temporary split of ramps for NC 74 East and US 52 South after the NC 65 interchange in the Winston-Salem Beltway interchange project work zone, screen grab from Driving Around NC video, April 2024Continuing on the current US 52 South lanes at the split from the NC 74/Beltway lanes just after the NC 65 exit.

EARLIER PHOTOS

Photos of construction around the newly opened US 52 interchange with the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway with screen grab images from a video by TJElevatorfan from March 2024:

Dashcam video image of US 52 North 1 mile from the Westinghouse Road exit, video by TJElevatorfan, posted March 16, 2024US 52 North still restricted to 2 lanes as southbound traffic still is using part of the northbound lanes. Notice also no change to the exit number.

Dashcam video image of US 52 North 1/2 mile from the Westinghouse Road exit, video by TJElevatorfan, posted March 16, 2024Closer to Westinghouse Road southbound traffic is no longer using part of US 52 North and the construction of a permanent median barrier has begun.

Dashcam video image of US 52 North at the Westinghouse Road exit, video by TJElevatorfan, posted March 16, 2024US 52 North (Future I-74 West) lanes are largely completed at the Westinghouse Road exit.

Turning around...

Dashcam video image entering US 52 South (Future I-74 East) from the Westinghouse Road exit, video by TJElevatorfan, posted March 16, 2024View from the Westinghouse Road exit ramp to US 52 South, they still have not made enough progress to pave the future third lane and appear to still be grading part of it.

Dashcam video image of US 52 South beyond the Westinghouse Road exit, video by TJElevatorfan, posted March 16, 2024A closer look of the continuing work along the US 52 South lanes, the current lanes still heading over to use part of the northbound ones.

Dashcam video image of construction along US 52 South (Future I-74 East after the Westinghouse Road exit, video by TJElevatorfan, posted March 16, 2024More grading work being done beyond the 1 Mile advance sign for the NC 65 exit on US 52 South.

Dashcam video image of US 52 South showing the portable VMS still being used as an exit sign prior to the NC 65 exit, video by TJElevatorfan, posted March 16, 2024A portable VMS still being used as one of the advance signs for one of the upcoming exits.

Dashcam video image of US 52 South (Future I-74 East) approaching the NC 65 exit, video by TJElevatorfan, posted March 16, 2024Arrows for the NC 74 East/Beltway exit appearing in the left lane prior to the NC 65 exit.

Dashcam video image approaching Beltway exit on US 52 South at the NC 65 exit, video by TJElevatorfan, posted March 16, 2024A closer look at the lane configuration of US 52 South at NC 65, two lanes for US 52 and one for traffic heading for the Beltway.

Dashcam video image of US 52 South at the ramp for NC 74 East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, video by TJElevatorfan, posted March 16, 2024View now heading off of US 52 South to the Beltway, a yellow line restricting the exit to one lane, traffic still using the future US 52 North lanes.

Earlier Photos

Photos of construction north of the newly opened US 52 interchange with the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway with screen grab images from a video by Tar Heel Dashcam from December 2023 and by Mark David Moore taken on December 15, 2023:

Image of driving completed lanes for US 52 North (Future I-74 West) after NC 65 exit, left lane currently closed due to being used for US 52 South traffic in the distance, Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023While the roadway is completed approaching the ramp from NC 65 on US 52 North, the roadway is still restricted to 2 lanes in this direction due to the partial use of the lane for southbound traffic between here and the Westinghouse Road exit.

Image of newly placed 1 mile advance sign for the Westinghouse Road exit along the widened portion of US 52 North (Future I-74 West) beyond the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange, by Mark David Moore, December 2023 A newly placed 1 Mile advance sign for the Westinghouse Road exit moved to beyond the shoulder of the widened roadway.

Image of driving completed lanes for US 52 North (Future I-74 West) approaching Westinghouse Road exit, left lane being used for US 52 South traffic, Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023The US 52 North roadway approaching the Westinghouse Road exit. Part of the future right shoulder currently being used as a travel lane.

Image of driving completed lanes for US 52 North (Future I-74 West) approaching Westinghouse Road exit, left lane being used for US 52 South traffic, Tar Heel Dashcam, December 2023A lack of vegetation along the new shoulder of US 52 North approaching the Westinghouse Road exit.

Image of newly placed 1 mile advance sign for the Westinghouse Road exit along the widened portion of US 52 North (Future I-74 West) beyond the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange, by Mark David Moore, December 2023 The Westinghouse Road exit sign, with a center mounted (and temporary?) Exit 120 tab along US 52 North. Turning around at the exit...

Image of road widening after the Westinghouse Road exit on US 52 South (Future I-74 East) heading towards the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange, by Mark David Moore, December 2023 Taken from the end of the Westinghouse Road exit ramp, the future US 52 South/I-74 East lanes are still being graded, meaning any paving will probably now not take place until the spring.

Image of temporary VMS advance sign for completed Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange after the NC 65 exit, by Mark David Moore, December 2023 A temporary 2 Mile advance sign for the recently opened NC 74 East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway exit, the permanent signage awaiting the completion of the eastbound lanes.

Image of temporarily placed 1/2 mile advance sign for the upcoming NC 65 exit, by Mark David Moore, December 2023 A temporarily placed 1/2 Mile advance sign for the the NC 65 exit, the permanent signage also awaiting the completion of the eastbound lanes.

Image of temporary 1 mile VMS advance sign for completed Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange after the NC 65 exit, by Mark David Moore, December 2023 Another temporary VMS advance sign for the NC 74 exit, the eastbound lanes seem to still need grading on the other side of the guardrail.

Image of ground mounted ramp sign for NC 65 exit on temporary eastbound lanes approaching the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange in Rural Hall, by Mark David Moore, December 2023 The future I-74 Easy/US 52 South lanes can be seen behind the temporary exit sign for NC 65, the current ramp crossing between concrete barriers.

Image of gore sign for current NC 65 exit prior to completed Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange, showing crossing of future eastbound lanes, by Mark David Moore, December 2023 A closer look at the NC 65 exit ramp crossing the future lanes of I-74 East prior to the split with US 52 South.

Image of temporary split between US 52 South lanes and NC 74 East Winston-Salem Northern Beltway lanes prior to the NC 65 exit, by Mark David Moore, December 2023 South/East traffic using future I-74 West lanes approaching the temporary split between the lanes for the NC 74 East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway and US 52 South, the permanent split will be after the NC 65 bridge.

EARLIER PHOTOS

Images from Google Maps Street View along US 52 from NC 65 to Westinghouse Road, from June 2023 (*Latest 12/4/23):

Image of traffic on US 52 South approaching NC 65 exit under construction as part of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project, Google Maps Street View, June 2023*View looking from the NC 65 bridge at construction taking place currently in the US 52 median just north/west of the future Beltway interchange.

Image of traffic on US 52 South approaching NC 65 exit under construction as part of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project, Google Maps Street View, June 2023Grading for the additional lanes along US 52 South continues approaching the exit ramp to NC 65.

Image of traffic on US 52 South approaching NC 65 exit under construction as part of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project, Google Maps Street View, June 2023More grading underway even closer to NC 65.

Image of traffic using ramp to NC 65 on US 52 North under construction as part of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project, Google Maps Street View, June 2023Now heading north. Both a temporary and permanent gore sign are seen on the ramp to NC 65, future I-74 West lanes still under construction to the left.

Image of US 52 North lanes under construction after NC 65 interchange as part of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project, Google Maps Street View, June 2023Future I-74 West/US 52 North lanes being graded after the NC 65 exit ramp.

Image of US 52 North lanes under construction approaching on-ramp from NC 65 as part of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project, Google Maps Street View, June 2023Less grading of the future I-74 West/US 52 North lanes can be seen on the left approaching the on-ramp from NC 65.

Image of US 52 North lanes under construction after NC 65 exit as part of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project, Google Maps Street View, June 2023US 52 North using the future on-ramp from NC 65 awaiting the completion of the future I-74 West lanes heading towards Westinghouse Road.

Image of US 52 North lanes under construction between NC 65 and Westinghouse Road as part of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project, Google Maps Street View, June 2023Current US 52 North approaching the merge with the future I-74 West lanes.

Image of US 52 North lanes under construction between NC 65 and Westinghouse Road as part of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project, Google Maps Street View, June 2023Grading underway on interstate standard roadway with future third lane between NC 65 and Westinghouse Road.

Image of US 52 North lanes under construction between NC 65 and Westinghouse Road as part of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project, Google Maps Street View, June 2023Graded future third lane of I-74 West/US 52 North continues towards Westinghouse Road.

Image of US 52 North lanes under construction between NC 65 and Westinghouse Road as part of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project, Google Maps Street View, June 2023Landscaping work continues along as well on US 52 North approaching Westinghouse Road.

Image of paved US 52 North lanes approaching Westinghouse Road as part of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project, Google Maps Street View, June 2023The future third lane of I-74 West/US 52 North has been paved near Westinghouse Road.

Image of US 52 North lanes under construction at Westinghouse Road exit as part of Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project, Google Maps Street View, June 2023Paved lane becomes a future exit only lane on US 52 North at Westinghouse Road.

Images from Google Maps Street View showing progress in modernizing bridges in this segment, from April 2023:

Image of completed modern standard bridge over US 52 in Stokes County, Google Maps Street View images, April 2023View of completed new bridge over US 52 in Stokes County looking north (west on I-74). Notice the interstate standard shoulders in vicinity of the bridge.

Image of completed modern standard bridge over US 52 in Stokes County, Google Maps Street View images, April 2023View of same bridge looking south (east on Future I-74).

Image of completed modern standard bridge over US 52 in Surry County, Google Maps Street View images, April 2023View of another newish bridge over US 52 in Surry county looking south (east on Future I-74). Shoulders also widened in the vicinity.

EARLIER PHOTOS

Image taken from Google Maps Street View from April 2023 driving south between Westinghouse Road and the NC 65 exit:

Image of start of construction zone for future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway just beyond Westinghouse Road on US 52 South (Future I-74 East), Google Maps Street View, April 2023Widening of US 52 after the Westinghouse Road exit as part of the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project.

Image of widening work construction zone for future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway beyond Westinghouse Road on US 52 South (Future I-74 East), Google Maps Street View, April 2023While some landscaping has been completed work to widen the roadway ahead of the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange continues.

Image of construction zone for future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway beyond Westinghouse Road on US 52 South (Future I-74 East), Google Maps Street View, April 2023Widening of US 52 South continues, still much work to do before new lane can be paved.

Image of construction zone for future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway beyond Westinghouse Road on US 52 South (Future I-74 East), Google Maps Street View, April 2023Work can also be seen along US 52 North when not hidden by concrete barriers.

Image of 1/2 mile advance sign for NC 65 exit in construction zone for future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway on US 52 South (Future I-74 East), Google Maps Street View, April 2023The 1/2 Mile advance sign for the NC 65 sign awaits a more permanent replacement after the widening  project is complete.

Image of widening work prior to the NC 65 exit in construction zone for future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway on US 52 South (Future I-74 East), Google Maps Street View, April 2023Looks like an additional new lane is being added to the Future I-74 roadway for the NC 65 exit.

Image lane widening work prior to NC 65 exit in construction zone for future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway on US 52 South (Future I-74 East), Google Maps Street View, April 2023As seen earlier, much work needs to be done on completing the grading of the future lanes prior to the NC 65 exit before paving can start.

Image of ramp sign for NC 65 exit in construction zone for future I-74/Winston-Salem Beltway on US 52 South (Future I-74 East), Google Maps Street View, April 2023Not much new to be seen from the NC 65 to the future Beltway exit than when I drove through last October, except for the start of some clearing and grading prior to the NC 65 ramp.

EARLIER PHOTOS

Taken during road trip around Winston-Salem on October 14, 2022:

Image of US 52 North lanes at the NC 65 exit after the future merge with traffic from I-74 West/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange in Rural Hall, October 2022US 52 North lanes after the NC 65 bridge with NC 65 on-ramp traffic to the right, road being widened as part of the Winston-Salem Beltway interchange project.

Image of US 52 North roadway approaching merge with NC 65 exit in I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction zone in Rural Hall, October 2022Truck trailers line ramp from NC 65 below completed landscaping and noise walls along US 52 North (Future I-74 West).

Image of signage on US 52 South for the NC 65 exit approaching the future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange in Rural Hall, October 2022A closer look at the completed noise walls approaching the merge with the NC 65 on-ramp.

Image of US 52 North lanes being widened at merge with the NC 65 exit aa part of the project building the future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange in Rural Hall, October 2022Merging with the NC 65 exit ramp on US 52 North (Future I-74 West).

Image of widening of US 52 North lanes in anticipation of completion of I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project in Rural Hall, October 2022Widening of US 52 North (Future I-74 West) lanes continues on after the NC 65 exit.

Image of widening of US 52 North lanes in anticipation of completion of I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project in Rural Hall, October 2022Widening of US 52 North (Future I-74 West) lanes between the NC 65 and Westinghouse Road exits.

Image of widening of US 52 North lanes approaching the Westinghouse Road exit in anticipation of completion of I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project in Rural Hall, October 2022Nearing the end of future widening of US 52 North (Future I-74 West) lanes at the Westinghouse Road exit.

Image of entering US 52 South lanes from Westinghouse Road exit at start of widening project in anticipation of completion of I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project in Rural Hall, October 2022About to enter US 52 South (Future I-74 East) from the Westinghouse Road exit, construction barrels line the ramp.

Image of US 52 South lanes being widened south of Westinghouse Road exit in anticipation of completion of I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project in Rural Hall, October 2022Widening of US 52 South beyond the Westinghouse Road exit, new lane partially graded, but not paved yet.

Image of US 52 South lanes being widened in anticipation of completion of I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project in Rural Hall, October 2022Widening continues towards the NC 65 exit, 1 mile advance sign seen in the distance. Landscaping looks mostly complete.

Image of US 52 South lanes being widened approaching NC 65 exit in anticipation of completion of I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project in Rural Hall, October 2022US 52 South (Future I-74 East) approaching the NC 65 exit.

Image of end of widening along US 52 South at NC 65 exit in anticipation of completion of I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project in Rural Hall, October 2022Widening of US 52 South (Future I-74 East) about to end at the NC 65 exit ramp.

Image of signage on US 52 South for the NC 65 exit approaching the future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange in Rural Hall, October 2022Temporary signage at the NC 65 exit ramp for the future Exit 38.

Image of new US 52 South lanes approaching new NC 65 bridge prior to the future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange in Rural Hall, October 2022Now on the new US 52 South lanes approaching the NC 65 bridge.

Image of NC 65 bridge with new US 52 North lanes under construction approaching the future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange in Rural Hall, October 2022New US 52 South and North (Future I-74 West) lanes still under construction under the NC 65 bridge.

Image of new US 52 South lanes after the NC 65 bridge approaching the future I-74 East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange in Rural Hall, October 2022NC 65 exit on-ramp traffic merges with US 52 South ahead of future Beltway interchange.

Image of signage on US 52 South at the future I-74 East/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange in Rural Hall, October 2022This US 52 pull through marks the future site of the off-ramp for I-74 East heading for the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway.

EARLIER PHOTOS

Images taken from Google Maps Street View approaching the future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange, May 2022:

Image of existing NC 65 exit sign in graded area after future Beltway interchange, Google Maps Street View, May 2022The NC 65 exit sign sits prior to its original ramp, now 1/2 mile further down US 52 due to interchange reconstruction. New NC 65 bridge in the distance.

Image of enter US 52 from new NC 65 on-ramp prior to bridge heading toward future Beltway interchange, Google Maps Street View, May 2022View of new NC 65 exit sign after entering US 52 South from new interchange ramp.

Image of new US 52 South lanes after new interchange with NC 65, Google Maps Street View, May 2022Heading toward the future I-74/Beltway exit after going under new NC 65 bridge.

Image of view toward future I-74/Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange from new NC 65 bridge over US 52 in Rural Hall, Google Maps Street View, May 2022View looking south from new NC 65 bridge toward location of future I-74/ Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange.

Image looking north along future lanes of US 52 North/I-74 West at exit ramp for NC 65 in Rural Hall, Google Maps Street View, May 2022Looking north at current exit ramp for NC 65 with future lanes for I-74 West/US 52 North beyond.

Photo from NCDOT Traffic Camera, taken on October 8, 2021:

Google Maps Street View image showing completion of shoulder widening north of the future I-74/Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange, October 2021 Traffic camera showing completion of shoulder widening work on US 52 just north of the Future Beltway interchange.

Photos taken by Val Melvin on July 12 and 13, 2021:

Image of newly widened shoulders on US 52 North (Future I-74 West) in Forsyth County constructed as part of the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange project, by Val Melvin, July 2021Newly widened right shoulder along US 52 North (Future I-74 West) after the Westinghouse Road exit in Forsyth County.

Image of newly widened shoulders on US 52 North (Future I-74 West) in Forsyth County near the Westinghouse Road exit, by Val Melvin, July 2021Another view of widened shoulders further north.

Image of newly widened shoulders on US 52 North (Future I-74 West) ending at location of new bridge completion in Forsyth County, by Val Melvin, July 2021Newly widened shoulders along US 52 North ending at location of rebuilt bridge where shoulders were brought up to interstate standards a couple years ago (traffic backed up on US 52 South due to upcoming bridge demolition, see photos below).

Image of newly widened shoulders on US 52 North (Future I-74 West) in Forsyth County approaching the Moore-RJR Drive exit, by Val Melvin, July 2021New wider shoulders resume along US 52 North (Future I-74 West) just prior to the Moore-RJR Drive exit.

Image of newly widened shoulders on US 52 North (Future I-74 West) in Forsyth County after the Moore-RJR Drive exit, by Val Melvin, July 2021New wider shoulders continue along US 52 North (Future I-74 West) after the Moore-RJR Drive exit to the previously reconstructed King-Tobaccoville exit that is up to Interstate standards.

Image of US 52 North (Future I-74 West) bridge in Forsyth County at the Interstate standard King-Tobaccoville exit, by Val Melvin, July 2021The previously completed bridge over US 52 North (Future I-74 West) at the King-Tobaccoville exit just prior to entering Stokes County.

Image of US 52 North (Future I-74 West) in Stokes County after the King-Tobaccoville exit, by Val Melvin, July 2021Shoulders along US 52 North (Future I-74 West) in Stokes County appear Interstate standard.

Image of Pilot Mountain as seen from US 52 North (Future I-74 West) in Stokes County, by Val Melvin, July 2021View along US 52 North (Future I-74 West) of Pilot Mountain.

Image of US 52 North (Future I-74 West) in Stokes County approaching the Pinnacle exit, by Val Melvin, July 2021Another image of Pilot Mountain approaching the Pinnacle exit in Stokes County, the roadway appears Interstate standard.

Image of US 52 North (Future I-74 West) in Stokes County after the King-Tobaccoville exit, by Val Melvin, July 2021US 52 North (Future I-74 West) after the Pinnacle Exit and about to enter Surry County.

Image of 1/2 Mile advance sign for Pilot Mountain State Park exit on US 52 North (Future I-74 West) in Surry County, by Val Melvin, July 2021The brown 1/2 Mile advance sign for Pilot Mountain State Park.

Image of ramp sign for Pilot Mountain State Park exit on US 52 North (Future I-74 West) in Surry County, by Val Melvin, July 2021The brown exit sign for Pilot Mountain State Park is followed by a green gore sign. The exit number will change when this becomes I-74 (which may require bringing this exit up to Interstate standards).

Image of 1/2 Mile advance sign for NC 268 exit on US 52 North (Future I-74 West) without an exit tab in Surry County, by Val Melvin, July 2021The 1 Mile advance sign for the NC 268 exit in Pilot Mountain, note the lack of an exit tab, will make this exit easier to renumber.

Image of ramp sign for NC 268 exit on US 52 North (Future I-74 West) without an exit tab in Surry County, by Val Melvin, July 2021The NC 268 exit sign on US 52 North (Future I-74 West) also lacks an exit tab.

Image of traffic on US 52 South (Future I-74 East) in Surry County, by Val Melvin, July 2021Turning around and heading back on South US 52 (Future I-74 East) toward Winston Salem.

Image of traffic on US 52 South (Future I-74 East) about to enter Stokes County, by Val Melvin, July 2021 South US 52 (Future I-74 East) about to enter Stokes County.

Image of bridge over US 52 (Future I-74) about to be demolished north of Moore-RJR Drive exit in Forsyth County, by Val Melvin, July 2021 Bridge over US 52 in process of being demolished north of the Moore-RJR Drive exit in Forsyth County (bridge was demolished over the week of July 26-30).

Image of US 52 South (Future I-74 East) approaching he Moore-RJR Drive exit in Forsyth County, by Val Melvin, July 2021 US 52 South (Future I-74 East) approaching the Moore-RJR Drive exit.

Image of widened shoulder along US 52 South (Future I-74 East) in Forsyth County approaching the Westinghouse Road exit, by Val Melvin, July 2021 Widened shoulder along US 52 South (Future I-74 East) approaching the Westinghouse Road exit.

Image of shoulder construction work along US 52 South (Future I-74 East) at the Westinghouse Road exit, by Val Melvin, July 2021 Shoulder work continuing on US 52 South (Future I-74 East) approaching the Westinghouse Road exit.

Image of US 52 South (Future I-74 East) entering future Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction zone, by Val Melvin, July 2021 Entering the Winston-Salem Beltway interchange work zone along US 52 South (Future I-74 East).


Earlier Photos

Taken by Val Melvin from Pilot Mountain, April 25, 2021:

View from Pilot Mountain of US 52 (Future I-74) freeway heading southeast toward Winston-Salem, by Val Melvin, April 2021Looking down at US 52 freeway as seen from top of Pilot Mountain.

US 52 / Winston-Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction, 2019-2020

Projects are under way at the southern end of this segment to construct future interchange with the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway

Photos taken along US 52 by David Johnson, September 11, 2020:

Image of construction along US 52 North approaching future I-74/Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange, by David Johnson September 2020Construction barrels at start of work zone along US 52 North for Winston-Salem Beltway interchange construction.

Image of construction along US 52 North related to construction of future I-74 Winston Salem Beltway interchange, by David Johnson September 2020More construction barrels on both sides of the highway approaching the NC 65 exit.

Image of new NC 65 bridge over US 52 North built as part of Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange project, by David Johnson September 2020New NC 65 bridge over US 52 and relocated NC 65 exit ramp built as part of the Beltway interchange project.

Image of future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction from US 52 North, by David Johnson September 2020View of noise walls being constructed along US 52 North north of the future Beltway interchange along new exit ramp to NC 65.

Image of future I-74 West ramp from Winston Salem Northern Beltway merging onto US 52 North, by David Johnson September 2020To the right is the future ramp that will carry I-74 West from the Beltway to US 52 North with more noise walls.

Image of widening construction along US 52 North beyond future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange, by David Johnson September 2020Construction continues along US 52 North to widen the highway after the interchange.

Image of widening work along US 52 as part of future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction, by David Johnson September 2020Work continues along US 52 North after post-interchange distance sign showing 26 miles to Mount Airy.

Image of widening work along US 52 as part of future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction, by David Johnson September 2020Widening work continues along US 52 North until the Westinghouse Road exit.

Image of widening work along US 52 South after Westinghouse Road exit as part of future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction, by David Johnson September 2020Turning around at Westinghouse Road, showing widening work along US 52 North.

Image of widening work along US 52 South after Westinghouse Road exit as part of future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction, by David Johnson September 2020Widening work along US 52 South at end of ramp from Westinghouse Road.

Image of widening work along US 52 South 1 mile before NC 65 exit as part of future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction, by David Johnson September 2020Widening work along US 52 South around 1-Mile advance sign for the NC 65 exit.

Image of widening work along US 52 Nouth as part of future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction, by David Johnson September 2020Looking across at widening work along US 52 North.

Image of widening along US 52 in advance of new ramp to NC 65 as part of future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction, by David Johnson September 2020Approaching the new US 52 South exit ramp to NC 65 and the Beltway interchange work zone.

Image of widening along US 52 in advance of new ramp to NC 65 as part of future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction, by David Johnson September 2020Passing the new US 52 South exit ramp to NC 65.

Image of new NC 65 bridge over US 52 as part of future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction, by David Johnson September 2020Approaching the new NC 65 bridge over US 52. Notice the old exit ramp to the right beyond the jersey barrier.

Image of driving under new NC 65 bridge over US 52, part of future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction, by David Johnson September 2020Driving under the new NC 65 bridge over US 52. Work on the future Beltway interchange can be seen to the right.

Image of bridge supports as seen from US 52 South as part of future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction, by David Johnson September 2020Supports for future I-74/Beltway interchange over US 52 and grading of future ramp area to the right of the southbound lanes.

Image of site clearing and grading from US 52 South as part of future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction, by David Johnson September 2020A closer look at the grading and clearing of the ground for the new interchange from US 52 South.

Image of future US 52 South bridge over railroad tracks being constructed, part of future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction, by David Johnson September 2020New southbound US 52 bridge over railroad tracks being constructed to right of current lanes.

Image of future US 52 South bridge over railroad tracks being constructed, part of future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction, by David Johnson September 2020Closer look at future southbound US 52 bridge over railroad tracks being constructed to right of current lanes.

Image of future US 52 South bridge over railroad tracks being constructed, part of future I-74 Winston Salem Northern Beltway interchange construction, by David Johnson September 2020Southbound US 52 (and Future I-285) lanes beyond the Future Beltway construction zone.

Google Maps Street View Images

Heading North on US 52, taken in June 2019:

Google Maps Street View image of ramp sign for Westinghouse Road exit on US 52 North/Future I-74 West, taken in June 2019The exit sign for the Westinghouse Road, the first exit after the future Beltway interchange. The shoulders here appear close to interstate standard.

Google Maps Street View image of ground mounted ramp sign for the Moore-RJR Drive exit on US 52 North/Future I-74 West in Rural Hall taken in June 2019The exit sign for Moore-RJR Drive, the last exit in Forsyth County.

Google Maps Street View image of blue services sign for Moore-RJR Drive exit on US 52 North/Future I-74 West in Rural Hall, taken in June 2019The blue services sign for the Moore-RJR Drive exit showing that there is a Sheetz along Future I-74.

Google Maps Street View image of ground mounted ramp sign for King, Tobaccoville exit on US 52 North/Future I-74 West in King, taken in June 2019The exit sign for the King/Tobaccoville exit, at the start of the Interstate Standard section surrounding the revised 2011 interchange/bridge (see additional photos below).

Google Maps Street View image of 1-mile advance sign for Pinnacle exit on US 52 North/ Future I-74 West, taken in June 2019The 1-Mile advance sign for the Pinnacle exit, with the pinnacle of Pilot Mountain seen in the distance.

Google Maps Street View image of new bridges over the Little Yadkin River built to Interstate Standards on US 52/Future I-74 in Pinnacle, from June 2019New bridges for crossing the Little Yadkin River in Pinnacle, built to interstate standards along with surrounding roadway.

Google Maps Street View image of gore sign for Pinnacle exit on US 52 North/Future I-74 West, taken in June 2019The gore sign for the Pinnacle exit with the Pilot Mountain pinnacle in the distance. The shoulders back to less than interstate standard width.

Google Maps Street View image of 1/2 mile advance sign for Pilot Mountain State Park on US 52 North/Future I-74 West in Pilot Mountain, taken in June 2019Brown 1/2 mile advance sign for Pilot Mountain State Park, the earlier signage did not feature an exit number tab.

Google Maps Street View image of 1-mile advance sign for NC 268 exit without exit number tab on NC 52 North/Future I-74 West in Pilot Mountain, taken in June 2019The 1-Mile advance sign for NC 268, all the advance signs do not have exit tabs.

Google Maps Street View image of gore sign for NC 268 exit on US 52 North/Future I-74 West in Pilot Mountain, taken in June 2019The only place you'll find out the exit number for NC 268 is at the gore sign heading north.

Google Maps Street View image of 1-mile advance sign for Cook School Road on US 52 North/Future I-74 West in Pilot Mountain, taken in June 2019The 1-Mile advance sign for the Cook School Road exit with different length support posts.

Google Maps Street View image of 2-miles advance sign for I-74 West exit on US 52 North/Future I-74 West in Mount Airy, taken in June 2019The ground mounted 2-miles advance sign for I-74 West. The remaining signs are overhead, see photos below.

Turning around and heading south, a Google Maps Street View image from May 2018:

Google Maps Street View image of 1/4 mile advance sign for left side Pilot Mountain exit on US 52 South/Future I-74 East, taken in May 2018The 1/4 mile advance for the left side Mount Airy exit, this will probably have to be reconstructed before this section can become I-74.

"Classic Photos", from 2010:

Photo of view of Pilot Mountain from Scenic Overlook on US 52 in Stokes County, Oct. 2010View of Pilot Mountain from Northbound US 52 Scenic Overlook, Stokes County. View taken on 10/24/10, when freeway was undergoing rehabilitation including extending the width of shoulders (using gravel) that may make the signing of the route as I-74 easier to do in the future.

Photo of new overhead signage placed at I-74 West Exit from US 52New signage at the northern end of the segment at the US 52 Exit. This signage was placed in the Summer of 2010 and corrects the previous sign which had the duplicative words To I-77, To Wytheville. (10/24/10)

Photo of new signage at the I-74 Exit of of US 52 North in Oct. 2010The signs at the US 52 ramp. The I-74 Exit sign was corrected too. The exit tab design makes it easy to transfer the tab to the other sign (and revised to Exit 17) when the segment is declared an interstate. (10/24/10)

Some More Photos along US 52 taken on July 15, 2012:

Photo of typical US 52 exit signage, for US 52 South in Pinnacle in July 2012Typical US 52 interchange signage, this for US 52 South (Future I-74 East) in Pinnacle, current Exit 129.

Photo of new bridge over US 52 at King, July 2012The then new 2011 bridge over US 52 at King. The freeway surrounding the new interchange was rebuilt to interstate standards.

Photo of newly reconstructed US 52 at the King/Tobaccoville Exit looking north, July 2012View of US 52 North (Future I-74 West) after the King interchange bridge showing modern interstate design of highway.

Photo of new exit signage placed in 2011 for rebuilt King/Tobaccoville Exit in July 2012New exit signage for modified King/Tobaccoville exit. The signs are up to standards, they await new exit numbers when the freeway becomes I-74 East.

Photo of the Future I-74 Corridor sign near Mount Airy on US 52 south, photo courtesy of H.B. ElkinsThis is the first 'Future I-74 Corridor' sign along US 52 South near Mt. Airy. Photo courtesy of H.B. Elkins. (2004) (Still standing as of May 2018).