Page "Interstate 140 (North Carolina)" Paragraph 9

The initial $ 36. 7 million contract for construction of a segment of the eastern leg was awarded by NCDOT to Barnhill Contracting Company in November 2003.

Its construction had been delayed due to several conflicts including the handling of stormwater runoff into Futch Creek and a slight redesign of an off-ramp at the Porters Neck Road interchange to avoid a 450-year old oak tree.

Construction of the eastern segment commenced on December 29, 2003.

As late as May 2005, NCDOT remained undecided as to whether or not to open only a portion of the road prior to completion of the elevated section due to the bridge section running behind schedule.

By summer NCDOT decided to open the first segment of I-140 to traffic on August 22, 2005.

Formally dedicated with Governor Mike Easley and U. S. Representative Mike McIntyre in attendance, the segment was located between I-40 and NC 133 ( Castle Hayne Road ).