State and local officials have announced the designation of “Future I-685,” which will transform 86 miles of U.S. 421 from I-85 near Greensboro southeast through Siler City and Sanford to I-95 in Dunn into an interstate highway. This development adds to the growing list of new and planned interstate highways in the region, including I-885 in Durham and I-587 between Zebulon and Greenville. The move aims to enhance economic competitiveness by providing improved highway access, which is a critical factor for business recruitment.

The Carolina Core, a 120-mile stretch of central North Carolina from west of Winston-Salem to Fayetteville, has been a significant advocate for this interstate designation. The area includes megasites like the VinFast electric car factory, the Toyota car battery plant, and the Wolfspeed silicon carbide chip plant, all of which have benefited from improved highway access. The new I-685 designation is expected to further improve connectivity and commerce throughout the state, supporting local economic growth and development efforts.