North Carolina has received federal clearance from the U.S. Department of Transportation to build a $1 billion beltway around the northern and eastern sides of Winston-Salem. The state can now begin right-of-way acquisition and construction planning.

The project, designed to reduce congestion, received the government’s environmental approval in about half the time it normally takes.

Meanwhile, to the east in Greensboro, NC, a new Interstate-40 loop on the west side of town will open on Thursday, Feb. 21. The 7.5-mile stretch of eight-lane highway runs from I-40 to I-85, bypassing some of the most congested areas of I-40.