Johnston County's commute has been improved with the opening of a new extension of Ranch Road to Clayton Boulevard, aimed at easing traffic congestion. The $9.7 million project connects Ranch Road directly to the intersection of Clayton Boulevard and N.C. 42 East in Clayton, replacing the previous end of Rose Street. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the extension is expected to improve traffic flow, especially for those heading to Interstate 42.
The project also realigned Little Creek Church Road to intersect with the new extension. A new traffic signal was activated on Monday, and while minor disruptions may continue due to ongoing work, the roads are expected to be fully completed with permanent lane markings by summer.
The project was funded through a partnership between the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the Town of Clayton, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Statewide Contingency Fund. The extension aims to reduce congestion while enhancing connectivity in the growing Johnston County area.
