New interstate hopes to bring access to Greenville

While it may take time, companies say the upgrade could help send their bottom lines into overdrive.

Officials with the North Carolina Department of Transportation says since 2016, the department’s been working on 37 miles of US-264 across Wilson, Greene and Pitt counties.

After finishing the project, the federal government signed off on naming the road the new I-587.

While the road may not be that different, the interstate designation makes a difference in how Greenville can market itself.

Up until now, it was one of the largest cities in the country not served by an interstate.

"Trucks are not having to stop and really delay transportation, so it’s a big deal for companies," said Vice President of Business Development at Greenville ENC Alliance Brad Hufford.

Economic developers in Greenville say the upgrade should attract large companies that depend on interstates for shipping.

One company that already stands to benefit is WorldCat, a boat manufacturer that moved its headquarters to Greenville last year.

"Whether it's a customer coming to visit your plant, or vendors trying to get there to deliver product, or employees or teammates driving down the highway in a safe way to get to the facility, you can't be world-class unless you have world-class access," according to the President of WorldCat Andrew Brown.

Officials with NCDOT say they should have new I-587 signs installed by next year.