US 221 proposed Rutherfordton bypass from US 74 bypass to SR 1366 (Roper Loop Road), will be an 8 mile new, four-lane highway with a median and three interchanges between U.S. 74 and Roper Loop Road. The project is a part of a larger project to create a 4 lane highway from the NC/SC Stateline to I-40 in Marion. The portion through Rutherfordton is broken down into 2 sections the R-2233BA (From US-74 to Charlotte Rd) and R-2233BB (Charlotte Rd to Roper Loop)
For more information on this project, you can contact Town Hall at 828-287-3520 or the local NCDOT office at 828-652-7848
Construction Update 10-1-2020 from NCDOT:
The proposed Construction of R-2233BB has been moved from December 2020 to December 2021. This is contingent upon approval by the Board of Transportation. The BOT has the statewide STIP modifications on agenda for October 8th.
NCDOT is currently working on the basis of turning R/W & Utility operations back on once a project is on the 12 month let list. Based on this method, these activities should resume this December 2020.
