Fayetteville Outer Loop completed, expected to ease traffic and promote economic growth

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) — After more than two decades of construction, the final stretch of the Fayetteville Outer Loop, also known as Interstate 295, is officially open, completing a 39-mile road designed to ease traffic congestion and boost economic growth across the Sandhills region.

State and local leaders gathered Tuesday morning for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the western portion of the highway, which stretches from U.S. 401 Business north of Fayetteville to Interstate 95 near the Cumberland-Robeson county line. Construction on the loop began in 1999, with the first section opening in 2003.

The nearly $1 billion project was finished five months ahead of schedule. Officials said the interstate now provides direct, uninterrupted connectivity from Fort Bragg to I-95.

“It shows commitment. It shows the vision and how important vision is,” Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin said. “Not only will it ease some of the traffic pressures we’ve seen as other legs of 295 opened, but the economic activity that is taking place with housing and retail that supports that housing activity. We’re looking forward to a great addition to the Sandhills region.”

The Outer Loop is expected to pull traffic off strained local roadways, offer an additional crossing of the Cape Fear River, and better connect major routes serving Fayetteville’s south, west, and north sides.

More than 40,000 vehicles travel the corridor daily, according to transportation officials.

For nearby residents, the opening marks the end of years of detours, construction zones, and uncertainty.

“Some things just take a while to make sure you get it done right,” resident Lewis Bailey said.

Bailey jogged to the Strickland Bridge on Tuesday to see the newly opened stretch for himself.

“This has been closed for so long, and traffic is all over the place. We were looking at, ‘When is this going to open?’ Now that it’s open, we can get home a little bit faster,” he said.

Another resident, Paul Kent, said the finished highway represents progress for the community.

“I’m glad construction workers took their time on the highway and did what they needed to do,” he said. “It makes me feel good, happy. My taxes are going to something that’s worthy.”

With the final segment complete, officials say the Outer Loop is positioned to support continued regional growth, strengthen military readiness, and help North Carolina attract and retain new business and industry.

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