The North Carolina Department of Transportation has officially completed construction of the I-140 Wilmington Bypass, which extends from Brunswick to New Hanover County.

This $411 million project has been underway since 2000 with the aim of dramatically reducing commute times and stimulating economic growth in surrounding communities.

The newest section of the bypass connects US 74/76 near Leland to the Highway 17/421 interchange near New Hanover County.

For residents of The Bluffs on the Cape Fear, the completion of this project puts them even closer to all that Wilmington has to offer from historic downtown to Wrightsville Beach, and all of the entertainment, shopping, dining and culture in between.

Chief Engineer of the Bypass Tim Little said, “For the first time, you’ll be able to go around Wilmington instead of having to go straight through downtown. Traffic congestion on the causeway will also be improved.”