US 70 BUS & NC 42 changing to Clayton BLVD & Veterans PKWY

As part of the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) effort to improve transportation infrastructure and safety, several roadways in Johnston County, including those in the Town of Clayton, will undergo important redesignations. These changes are necessary due to the upcoming upgrade of US 70 Bypass to Interstate 42 (I-42).

To better understand the reasons for these changes, we’ve divided the information into two parts:

NCDOT’s role and the technical designations
How the Town of Clayton and Johnston County are working to minimize the impact on residents and businesses

Both pieces of information are important for gaining a complete understanding of the changes.

NCDOT’s Role in the Road Redesignations

NCDOT is tasked with updating road names and designations to align with the new Interstate 42 (I-42). The changes are necessary for public safety and to meet federal and state guidelines for road systems. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening:

The New Interstate Designation
The RED LINE on the map (Figure 1) shows the route of the new I-42. This interstate will replace the current US 70 from the county line to the intersection of US 70 Business and US 70.
Why US 70 Business is Affected
Since US 70 will become I-42, the existing US 70 Business designation cannot remain because there will no longer be a “parent” US 70. The BLUE LINE on the map (Figure 1) indicates where US 70 Business will be redesignated as part of US 70.
Addressing Confusion Between NC 42 and I-42
For public safety, it’s essential to avoid having both NC 42 and I-42 in the same region. To resolve this, the ORANGE LINE shows roads that will become part of NC 36, including:
- NC 42 between NC 50 and US 70
- US 70 between NC 42 and Ranch Road (Technically this stretch will be I-42/NC 36)
- Ranch Road (once completed) between US 70 and US 70 Business
Removal of Certain Road Designations
- The GREEN LINE represents where the NC 42 designation will be removed (NC 50 to US 70 Business)
- The PURPLE LINE represents the removal of the US 70 designation.

Figure 1

The Role of the Town of Clayton and Johnston County

We understand that these changes will impact residents and businesses along the affected roadways. The Town of Clayton and Johnston County have worked together to minimize the disruption while also preventing future issues. Here’s what’s being done:

Permanent Road Names for Stability
NCDOT informed us that if we name these affected roads now, their names will remain unchanged regardless of future redesignations. This ensures long-term stability for residents and businesses. As a result:
• NC 42 will become Veterans Parkway
• US 70 Business will become Clayton Boulevard
Collaboration for Clearer Navigation
The renaming not only addresses technical requirements but also provides clearer navigation and honors the local community, including our veterans.

How Will These Changes Look on the Map?

The second map (Figure 2) illustrates how the new road names will align with the redesignations:

The RED LINE shows the portion of US 70 Business that will be renamed Clayton Boulevard.
The BLUE LINE shows the portion of NC 42 that will be renamed Veterans Parkway.
The GREEN LINE shows the portion of Lombard Street that will also be renamed Veterans Parkway.

Figure 2