Just in case you haven’t heard the news, effective today, February 10, 2025, significant road renaming will occur in Clayton and Johnston County as part of the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) initiative to re-designate the US 70 Bypass to Interstate 42 (I-42).
Let’s face it, we could all use these changes to make navigating our town easier while ensuring consistency, plus address public safety concerns.
Key Road Name Changes
NC 42 West is being renamed to Veterans Parkway
This renaming honors veterans and was decided after public consultations in the Clayton and Cleveland communities. The change is intended to prevent future address modifications due to state highway re-designations.
US 70 Business is being renamed to Clayton Boulevard
Reflecting the town’s identity, this change ensures the new name remains stable and avoids future alterations. The redesignation of the US 70 Bypass to I-42 necessitates this update, as the existing US 70 Business designation cannot continue without its “parent” US 70.
Portion of S Lombard Street is being renamed to Veterans Parkway
To provide clear and consistent road names for emergency responders, a segment of S Lombard Street west of the US 70 Business underpass will also be renamed Veterans Parkway.
Impact on Residents and Businesses
For most, only the street name will change; house and building numbers will remain the same. For example, an address like 555 NC 42 West will become 555 Veterans Parkway. However, for a small portion of S Lombard Street, both the street name and house numbers will change to align with the new Veterans Parkway designation.
Navigating to RiverWILD Communities
For potential homebuyers interested in RiverWILD’s developments, it’s essential to note how these changes affect navigation:
O’Neil Overlook: Located near downtown Clayton, this community offers quick access to the heart of downtown. With the renaming of US 70 Business to Clayton Boulevard, residents and visitors will find improved navigation to this new home community.
Ashcroft: Situated in the southeast quadrant of the intersection of Covered Bridge Road and the Neuse River, Ashcroft provides pedestrian connections to the Sam’s Branch Greenway and River Walk on the Neuse. The renaming of nearby roads will enhance clarity for those accessing this amenity-rich new home community.
Preparing for the Change
Residents and businesses are encouraged to begin updating their addresses with service providers, financial institutions, healthcare providers, and delivery services starting February 1, 2025. An interactive map of affected addresses and detailed project information is available on the Town of Clayton’s official website.
These updates are designed to facilitate smoother navigation and reflect the evolving infrastructure of Clayton and Johnston County. By staying informed and updating relevant information promptly, residents and businesses can ensure a seamless transition during this period of change.