Rand: I-295 should move forward

Fayetteville, N.C. — State Senator Tony Rand says the I-295 project is back on track, pending funds from a federal stimulus package.

“We are hopeful we will see the project move forward.” Rand, a Democrat from Fayetteville, said Thursday.

The next section of I-295 will bridge the gap between Ramsey Street and the All-American freeway. Work on the 8-mile stretch of highway is expected to take three years to complete.

Construction has been on hold and contracts have not been awarded as state budget problems worsen.

Department of Transportation officials said Thursday the I-295 project is on a list of priorities for the state, but stopped short of calling it first in line for funds. Ernie Seneca, a spokesman for the DOT, said officials don’t know how much money a federal stimulus package would provide or what the guidelines for using those funds would be.

Local officials and military leaders have said finishing the I-295 project is crucial for growth and security at Fort Bragg.