City Eyes Lejeune Freeway

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So we could end up with a possible I-40 interstate through Jacksonville?  Being from a bigger city where almost all travel was completed on interstate highways, making commuting much faster, and being one who gets stuck in this NC-24 traffic both to and from my job in the downtown area of Jacksonville, I'm all for this idea.  The Hwy 17 bypass extension and new base entry are going to help alleviate some of the traffic but even if reducing and cutting back at the base reduces some of the population currently traveling NC-24, I still see the current path of travel being a problem.  The number of people trying to get past the base from the Hubert/Swansboro/Cape Carteret/Morehead City areas are still probably pretty comparable to the number trying to get into the base gate.  Having an actual interstate system, in my opinion, would prove to be successful in this area and might also benefit in the form of revenue for travelers that use the thouroughfare as they might be more willing to stop for a break here if it's easier to get to the businesses on NC-24.  This idea can truly only be successful as long as the City and all others involved stay commited to keeping the businesses along the current NC-24 corridor IN business.  So many businesses on the 24 stretch where the Hwy 17 bypass was constructed are now either out of business or struggling to keep afloat.  I think supporting our local businesses should always be a top priority in these types of considerations as they are the ones who help sustain our economy in combination with Camp Lejeune residents.

What are your thoughts?  For those who live in the area or whose daily travel/commutes include this stretch of road, are you excited or discouraged about the idea of another option for traveling?