After U.S. 17 north and U.S. 74-76 east merge together, they continue along the four-lane freeway en route to Wilmington. There are two exits (Junction North Carolina 133 south and Junction U.S. 421/North Carolina 133 north) between the merge and the Cape Fear River Bridge. The Cape Fear River serves as the county line, separating Brunswick County from New Hanover County. Photo taken 05/29/05.
Northbound U.S. 17 and eastbound U.S. 74-76 reaches the offramp for North Carolina 133, which connects to secret North Carolina 1472 (Village Road) east into Leland and Belville. North Carolina 133 follows a two-lane highway, paralleling the west bank of the Cape Fear River from U.S. 17 south to North Carolina 87. North Carolina 87 continues south to end in Southport, near the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry, while North Carolina 133 angles southwest to Oak Island. Photo taken 06/01/05.
Briefly, North Carolina 133 merges onto U.S. 17-74-76 northeastbound, but it will depart the freeway at the next interchange, which also serves as a connection to U.S. 421/North Carolina 133. U.S. 421/North Carolina 133 travel north to serve the U.S.S. North Carolina Battleship Memorial, then connects to the Parsley Street Bridge over the Cape Fear River. This second bridge carries North Carolina 133 and Future U.S. 74 east into Wilmington. (U.S. 74 will be rerouted onto the Parsley Street Bridge once the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway is completed in September 2005). U.S. 421, meanwhile, continues north to meet the third crossing of the Cape Fear River: Future Interstate 140/U.S. 17 Bypass, which is planned for completion only a few months after this photo was taken. Photo taken 06/01/05.
In the greater Wilmington area, U.S. 421 begins its journey northwest toward Michigan City, Indiana. U.S. 421 is a very long route that serves much of the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest on a path parallel to U.S. 52. U.S. 421 and U.S. 52 intersect twice, once in Winston-Salem and again in Indianapolis, Indiana (the second intersection is part of the Interstate 465 beltway). Photo taken 06/01/05.
Note that the connection to Interstate 40 is recommended via U.S. 421 north to North Carolina 133 north, with a possible connection via Future U.S. 74/Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway. While North Carolina 133 exits here, U.S. 421 south merges onto U.S. 17 north and U.S. 74-76 east, creating a "wrong way" multiplex of the four routes (this is called "wrong way" because the signs say that you are going north and south on two routes at one time. Photo taken 06/01/05.
U.S. Highway 17 North, U.S. Highway 74-76 East, U.S. 421 South
After the U.S. 421/North Carolina 133 interchange, this mileage sign provides the distance to Carolina Beach and Kure Beach via U.S. 421 south. Wrightsville Beach, which is served by U.S. 74-76, is not mentioned on this sign, nor are any other beaches served by U.S. 17 and its auxiliaries, such as Topsail Beach in Pender County. Photo taken 06/01/05.
This is the only quadplex reassurance shield assembly along northbound U.S. 17, eastbound U.S. 74-76, and southbound U.S. 421. This is the approximate location of the proposed new eastern terminus of Interstate 20, should the freeway be constructed this far east. It is also possible that Interstate 20 may travel north on U.S. 421, then cross into Wilmington via the Parsley Street bridge. This has not yet been decided, and such a designation may be a long time away, especially since South Carolina has not agreed to extend an Interstate that currently ends in its state. Photo taken 06/01/05.
The highway leaves Brunswick County and enters New Hanover County, and the Cape Fear River Bridge (a lift bridge) comes into view. Photo taken 06/01/05.
The lift bridge that carries U.S. 17-74-76-421 over the Cape Fear River was constructed in the 1950s or 1960s, but no precise opening date is known. The central section lifts between the two towers, allowing for more vertical clearance for larger ships to pass under the bridge. Photo taken 06/01/05.
This traffic signal regulates traffic crossing the lift bridge. Whenever the lights turn red, the lift raises the central portion of the bridge over the river and any river traffic. Photo taken 06/01/05.
The deck of the bridge is metal grating, and it can be slippery during rainstorms or any kind of moist weather. The grating also seems to create an undulating ride over the central part of the bridge. Photo taken 06/01/05.
After the truss portion of the bridge, U.S. 17-74-76-421 reaches its first Wilmington exit: the link to the State Port, one of two in North Carolina (the other state port is in Morehead City near the eastern end of U.S. 70). Use this exit to follow Front Street and Burnett Boulevard south to River Road and Shipyard Boulevard (U.S. 117). Photo taken 06/01/05.
Northbound U.S. 17 and Eastbound U.S. 74-76 reaches the exit for Front Street south to the State Port. The next exit is the connection to Business U.S. 17 north to downtown Wilmington and U.S. 421 south to Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher. Photo taken 06/01/05.
U.S. 17-74-76-421 shifts onto Dawson Street, which carries the eastbound/northbound lanes (Wooster Street carries the opposite direction). This sign assembly shows a left turn on 3rd Street follows Business U.S. 17 north into downtown, with a connection via 3rd Street to the Parsley Street Bridge, North Carolina 133, and MLK Parkway (future U.S. 74). The sign also shows "To U.S. 117," which is a reference to its former routing. To U.S. 117 north, stay on U.S. 17-74 northeast to College Road (Jct North Carolina 132/U.S. 117). Photo taken 06/01/05.
U.S. Highway 17 South and U.S. Highway 74 West - Wilmington
U.S. 17 south and U.S. 74 turn left onto 16th Street, while Business U.S. 17 continues straight ahead along Market Street. The business route follows Market Street east to 3rd Street, then turns south on 3rd Street to rejoin U.S. 17 (and U.S. 74-76-421 at the Wooster Street/Dawson Street couplet). By following 16th Street, U.S. 17 avoids much of downtown Wilmington and keeps traffic out of the urban core and historic district. Photo taken 05/29/05.
U.S. Highway 17 South and U.S. Highway 74-76 West
U.S. 17-74 and U.S. 76/Truck U.S. 17 merge together as the 16th Street/17th Street couplet (U.S. 17-74 south/north) reaches Oleander Drive (U.S. 76). Westbound Oleander Drive and southbound 16th Street merge onto westbound Wooster Street. This is the first reassurance shield assembly on southwestbound U.S. 17-74-76 on Wooster Street. Northeastbound traffic uses Dawson Street. Photo taken 06/01/05.
Shortly after merging together, the three U.S. routes approach U.S. 421. U.S. 17-74-76 continue straight ahead (east) on Wooster Street, which crosses the Cape Fear River en route to Brunswick County. U.S. 421 also joins the three routes to cross the Cape Fear River. Photo taken 06/01/05.
The confusing part of this merge is that U.S. 17 south and U.S. 421 north cross the Cape Fear River along with eastbound U.S. 74-76. This makes for a brief section of highway that carries two routes in seemingly opposite directions (north and south), which can be confusing. The intersection between Wooster Street and 3rd Street serves as the southern terminus of Business U.S. 17, which travels north into downtown Wilmington and serves the historic district. Photo taken 06/01/05.
U.S. Highway 17 South, U.S. Highway 74-76 West, U.S. Highway 421 North
After the 3rd Street intersection, Wooster Street shifts into an expressway configuration, with no other exits prior to the Cape Fear River Bridge. This is the first and only westbound shield assembly for U.S. 17-74-76-421; U.S. 421 departs at the first interchange once the highway reaches Brunswick County. Note that once the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway is completed in September 2005, U.S. 74 will be relocated from this bridge to the Parsley Street Bridge (designated as North Carolina 133). Photo taken 06/01/05.
The Cape Fear River lift bridge comes into view as the highway gradually gains elevation to clear the river channel. According to North Carolina Waterways, the lift bridge has a vertical clearance of 135 feet over the river, and it can be raised on signal 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Since the river is approximately 40 feet deep near downtown Wilmington, large ships can navigate the river. Photo taken 06/01/05.
The first interchange in Brunswick County is where U.S. 421 splits off U.S. 17-74-76 and North Carolina 133 joins the group. Use U.S. 421 north to reach Battleship Park as well as the Parsley Street Bridge, one of three bridges to cross the Cape Fear River. (The Parsley Street Bridge will eventually become part of U.S. 74 once the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway is completed in September 2005). Photo taken 06/01/05.
This traffic signal regulates traffic crossing the lift bridge. Whenever the lights turn red, the lift raises the central portion of the bridge over the river and any river traffic. Photo taken 06/01/05.
The deck of the bridge is metal grating, and it can be slippery during rainstorms or any kind of moist weather. The grating also seems to create an undulating ride over the central part of the bridge. Photo taken 06/01/05.
Although it is in need of a paint job, the truss portion of the bridge serves the lifting function of the bridge well. Photo taken 06/01/05.
After passing under the second tower, U.S. 17-74-76-421 westbound begins to descend to dry land in Brunswick County. As the highway descends, the proposed extension of Interstate 20 from Florence east to Wilmington is proposed to begin near here. Under plans publicized by North Carolina officials but not necessarily agreed upon by South Carolina, Interstate 20 would follow U.S. 76 east to Chadborn, then follow U.S. 74-76 through Whiteville and end near the foot of this bridge west of Wilmington in Brunswick County. Interstate 20 may connect with Interstate 40 via a link on U.S. 421/North Carolina 133 to the Parsley Street Bridge and Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway (Future U.S> 74). Stay tuned for more updates on the future of Interstate 20. Photo taken 06/01/05.
Use the right lane to exit onto northbound U.S. 421 and North Carolina 133. U.S. 421 follows a northeasterly trajectory from here, paralleling Interstate 40 between Wilmington and Greensboro, where the two routes meet. West of Greensboro, U.S. 421 generally trends west, exiting the Tarheel State northwest of Boone. Much of U.S. 421 near the Triad is freeway. Photo taken 06/01/05.
Southbound U.S. 17/westbound U.S. 74-76 reaches the offramp for U.S. 421/North Carolina 133 northbound. Unlike U.S. 421, North Carolina 133 is a local state highway that remains in the Wilmington area. To the north, North Carolina 133 follows U.S. 421 to the Parsley Street Bridge, then crosses the Cape Fear River, connects to Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway (Future U.S. 74), and turns north to end at U.S. 117 north of Wilmington. The part of North Carolina 133 between Martin Luther King Jr Parkway and U.S. 117 is a former part of U.S. 117, before U.S. 117 was rerouted onto North Carolina 132 and Shipyard Boulevard. Photo taken 06/01/05.
The next reassurance shield assembly is for U.S. 17 south, U.S. 74-76 west, and North Carolina 133 south. The four routes will remain merged for less than a mile, since the next exit will take North Carolina 133 off the freeway and send it south toward Southport. Photo taken 06/01/05.
North Carolina 133 follows a two-lane highway, paralleling the west bank of the Cape Fear River from U.S. 17 south to North Carolina 87. North Carolina 87 continues south to end in Southport, near the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry, while North Carolina 133 angles southwest to Oak Island. A day trip from Wilmington involves taking North Carolina 133 and North Carolina 87 south to the ferry, then returning to Wilmington via U.S. 421. Photo taken 06/01/05.
Oak Island features several beaches, including Caswell Beach on the eastern tip (near the Oak Island Lighthouse), Yaupon Beach near the center of the island, and Long Beach. Southport, which is on the mainland, is located a bit to the northeast of Oak Island. For more information, visit the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce web page. Photo taken 06/01/05.
Orton Plantation is located along southbound North Carolina 133/River Road about midway between U.S. 17 and Oak Island. The plantation is the former home of Roger Moore, who arrived in 1725. The plantation has a storied past, having been located one mile from the town of Brunswick and used as a hospital for a period of time after the Civil War (during Reconstruction). Photo taken 06/01/05.
This exit also serves as the connection to Village Road (North Carolina Secondary 1472), which serves the towns of Belville, Navassa, and Leland. Photo taken 06/01/05.
Prior to the North Carolina 133 South/North Carolina Secondary 1472 interchange, U.S. 17-74-76 crosses over the Brunswick River. Photo taken 06/01/05.
Southbound U.S. 17 and westbound U.S. 74-76 reaches the offramp for North Carolina 133 south to Southport and Oak Island. The freeway continues straight ahead the split between U.S. 17 and U.S. 74-76. Photo taken 06/01/05.
The next exit is where the routes divide. Westbound U.S. 74-76 will split with U.S. 17 south, with U.S. 17 shown as the exit. U.S. 17 will continue southwest along the Eastern Seaboard, following coastal North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia before turning inland at Jacksonville, Florida, to end at U.S. 41 in Punta Gorda, Florida. All of U.S. 17 from here southward will remain expressway standard, with a business route serving Bolivia and Shallotte. Upon reaching North Carolina 211 in Supply (between Bolivia and Shallotte), U.S. 17 joins the Future Interstate 74 corridor. Once in South Carolina, U.S. 17 has a freeway bypass (South Carolina 31), while the mainline serves the tourist destination of Myrtle Beach. Photo taken 06/01/05.
The left two lanes continue west on U.S. 74-76, while the right lane becomes exit only for U.S. 17 south. This interchange is a trumpet interchange, so it is a high speed connecting ramp to southbound U.S. 17. U.S. 74-76, meanwhile, remain combined together until Chadborn. U.S. 76 speeds west toward Marion and Florence in South Carolina, while U.S. 74 turns northwest along the Future Interstate 74 Corridor toward Lumberton, Laurinburg, and Rockingham. West of Rockingham, U.S. 74 follows a well-traveled expressway to Charlotte, then continues as a freeway through parts of western North Carolina. Photo taken 06/01/05.
For beach access, use U.S. 17 south. Although U.S. 17 does not serve any of the beach areas directly, it does provide a connection to the state routes that provide beach access. Beach access is provided by routes such as North Carolina 87 south to Oak Island, North Carolina 211 south to Holden Beach, North Carolina 179 south to Ocean Isle Beach, and North Carolina 904 south to Ocean Isle Beach. Photo taken 06/01/05.
U.S. 17 and U.S. 74-76 split from each other for the final time here. U.S. 17 south is signed for Shallotte and Myrtle Beach, while U.S. 74-76 aims for Whiteville and Lumberton. Both of these cities are along U.S. 74 in North Carolina, so cities from South Carolina along U.S. 76 are omitted. Since U.S. 76 is considered part of a potential corridor for Interstate 20, it seems like control points from that freeway could be used here. Photo taken 06/01/05.
This is the first set of reassurance shields for U.S. 74-76 west after U.S. 17 south peels off to the south. Photo taken 06/01/05.
Traffic on U.S. 17 south flies over U.S. 74-76 on this bridge, which has enough rust on it to betray the age of the interchange. Photo taken 06/01/05.
Other Photos Pertaining to U.S. Highway 17
From the river walkway in downtown Wilmington, the lift bridge that carries U.S. 17, U.S. 74, U.S. 76, and U.S. 421 over the Cape Fear River is visible. This picture, taken at dusk, shows the contrast of the bridge's towers against the shimmering waters below the bridge. A crucial link between New Hanover and Brunswick Counties, this bridge is one of a few that cross the Cape Fear River. There is another bridge near downtown that carries North Carolina 133 over the river, but access to that bridge is not as direct from the primary routes that enter the city. Interstate 140, once constructed, will add a third bridge over the river. Photo taken 05/29/05.
Business U.S. Highway 17 - Wilmington - North
Business U.S. 17 begins at the intersection of 3rd Street and Dawson Street (U.S. 17-74-76 northeast). This sign assembly is found on northbound 3rd Street between Dawson Street and Wooster Street (U.S. 17-74-76 southwest). The right two lanes continue north on the business route, which follows the original route of U.S. 17 through downtown Wilmington. Photo taken 06/01/05.
This shield assembly points the way to U.S. 421, which turns left from 3rd Street onto westbound U.S. 17-74-76. Business U.S. 17 continues straight ahead. As an alternative to U.S. 17-74-76-421, you can use Business U.S. 17 north to the Parsley Street Bridge (North Carolina 133/Future U.S. 74) over the Cape Fear River. Photo taken 06/01/05.
After Wooster Street, Business U.S. 17 follows tree-lined 3rd Street as it heads into downtown Wilmington. Photo taken 06/01/05.
The trees part, and downtown Wilmington comes into view. The upcoming major intersection is with Market Street, which carries the business route east back toward U.S. 17. Third Street continues north to connect to MLK Jr Parkway and Parsley Street Bridge. Photo taken 06/01/05.
Business U.S. 17 north turns east onto Market Street. Photo taken 06/01/05.
Business U.S. Highway 17 - Wilmington - South
This is the first reassurance shield for Business U.S. 17 along eastbound Market Street after the 16th Street intersection. U.S. 17-74 south follow 16th Street, while U.S. 17-74 north follow 17th Street. The business route along Market Street is fairly well-signed through Wilmington. Photo taken 05/29/05.
Market Street is a tree-lined boulevard with a landscaped median. The shoulder are wide enough to accommodate bicycles. Photo taken 05/29/05.
A few blocks ahead, Business U.S. 17 southbound prepares to turn south onto 3rd Street. Market Street continues west for another couple of blocks, ending at the waterfront at Water Street. Photo taken 05/29/05.
At the intersection with 3rd Street, Market Street widens out to include this statue of Jefferson Davis, the only president of the Confederate States of America. Davis is a controversial figure, given America's varied views on the Civil War. Photo taken 05/29/05.
