Moore County Road Construction 2026: Major NCDOT Projects Ramp Up on US-1, US-15-501, NC-5 and NC-211
Photo by Max Andrey
SOUTHERN MOORE COUNTY, NC — Drivers should expect a major increase in roadwork in 2026 as long-planned transportation upgrades accelerate across the area.
Multiple large-scale road improvement projects are expected to pick up speed in 2026 across southern Moore County, targeting some of the region’s busiest corridors: U.S. 1, U.S. 15-501, N.C. 5, and N.C. 211. The work is designed to improve safety, reduce backups during peak hours, and increase traffic capacity as the county continues to grow.
Transportation planners say Moore County’s population is projected to rise sharply in the coming decades, and that estimate does not include the thousands of daily commuters who drive in and out of the county for work, shopping, and services. With growth comes heavier congestion — and the need for redesigned intersections and widened roadways.
Much of the early activity has involved “pre-work” like land acquisition, clearing, utility relocation, and grading. More construction that affects travel lanes is expected to follow, with many lane closures planned for nighttime hours to reduce disruption during the busiest commute times.
Along U.S. 1 and U.S. 15-501, drivers will see changes aimed at reducing conflict points — including redesigned intersections, raised medians, and new U-turn access points that reduce risky left turns. Additional work includes updates to drainage, curbs, sidewalks, and traffic flow near key connecting streets.
On N.C. 5, plans include widening sections to four lanes, adding new traffic signals near school areas, and improving connectivity with sidewalks and multi-use paths. In West End, a major widening project on N.C. 211 is underway to create a divided highway with turn lanes and bike-friendly outside lanes.
Officials expect several of these projects to be completed by 2027–2028, with additional work continuing beyond that timeframe as the region prepares for major events and sustained growth.