Business 40 Changing Lanes

Charlotte native Walter Hood was recently named a MacArthur Fellow — an award known as the “genius” grant — for his work revitalizing neglected urban spaces.

Planning for the Business 40 improvements project began more than a decade ago to modernize the aging roadway and beautify it with pedestrian bridges and scenic walkways. Next year, restoration work will begin on what was the very first segment of expressway to be built nearly sixty years ago. For many African-American residents, it's also the most controversial.

The final phase for the Business 40 improvements project begins next year in the downtown Winston-Salem area: replacing old ramps and bridges, expanding shoulders and laying new pavement.

Beginning in the Fall of 2018, a mile-long portion of Business 40 in downtown Winston-Salem will be closed to traffic for two years.