Bicameral legislation introduced last week by U.S. Sens. Richard Burr (R-NC) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) would take steps to improve highway infrastructure in eastern North Carolina.

The Eastern North Carolina Gateway Act, S. 3378, would designate portions of U.S. Highway 264 as an interstate highway and would establish north-south interstate access for a new Eastern North Carolina Gateway Corridor near U.S. Highway 13 and State Highway 11.

“The strength of North Carolina’s highway infrastructure is critical to moving our economy forward,” Burr said. “Interstate highway connectivity is essential for connecting citizens and communities, moving goods to market, and supporting and creating jobs. Greenville is such an important part of Eastern North Carolina, and I’m hopeful that this legislation will help this area expand on its reputation as one of Eastern North Carolina’s major economic centers.”

U.S. Reps. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) and Walter Jones (R-NC) recently introduced a House version of the bipartisan bill.

“This legislation is a direct result of bipartisan coordination among members of the North Carolina delegation to modernize and improve North Carolina’s infrastructure,” Tillis said. “Designating US Highway 264 as an interstate and creating interstate access along US Highway 13 and NC Highway 11 would be bring a much needed improvement to the transportation corridor serving Greenville and the surrounding area, and would support eastern North Carolina’s efforts to increase economic development and accessibility.”

Greenville is currently the 10th largest city in North Carolina, and the largest city in the state without an interstate highway.

“The Eastern North Carolina Gateway Act will support the long-term growth of our area by connecting eastern North Carolina’s businesses to other key centers of commerce throughout our state and region,” Jones said. “The third district has long been known for innovation across a wide range of industries. It’s crucial that we continue to support this growth by ensuring eastern North Carolinians have access to high-quality infrastructure.”