The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDoT) has selected Parsons to provide  design services for the I-26/US 74/ NC 108 interchange improvements in Polk County.

Under the planning and design limited services contract, Parsons will have to provide ramp connections between westbound I-26 to eastbound US 74 and westbound US 74 to eastbound I-26, and modernise NC 108 from west of Old Highway 19 to the intersection of Walker Road in Columbus.

Transport authorities anticipate that traffic will be decongested at the intersection as a result of direct connections between the two routes. 

The interstate through-traffic is currently compelled to exit the highway and travel through roundabouts on NC 108 to enter either US 74 or I-26. 

"Parsons will provide turnkey delivery on an accelerated schedule, which will improve safety and mobility."

Parsons Group president Mike Johnson said: “Parsons will provide turnkey delivery on an accelerated schedule, which will improve safety and mobility. We are excited to work with NCDoT on this project.”

Under the contract, Parsons will make all final designs, including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, as well as participate in public involvement activities.

Improvement works to the I-26/US 74 ramps are slated for completion before the Federal Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Equestrian Games, which will be held in North Carolina in September.