Ask any local and they’ll tell you getting around Wilmington has become a little more complicated in recent years. Blame it on the growth. While we certainly don’t have the traffic congestion of major cities, it’s true that bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic is getting worse. Now, word is two long-awaited projects may offer some relief: a major overpass at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and Market Street, and a significant widening of Gordon Road.
The Overpass at MLK Parkway and Market Street
The intersection of MLK Parkway and Market Street is one of Wilmington’s busiest junctions and, unfortunately, a common site for traffic bottlenecks. But relief is on the horizon. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has announced that construction on an overpass will begin in fall 2029 and is expected to take five years to complete. While that’s still several years away, the process leading up to construction will impact local residents and commuters.
The centerpiece of the project is a bridge that will allow traffic on MLK Parkway to flow freely over Market Street. The current traffic light system, which requires drivers to navigate through eight signal phases, will be replaced with a more efficient two-phase signal light for Market Street traffic. The new design, known as a single-point urban interchange, aims to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.
Beyond the overpass, the project includes additional upgrades to Market Street. The stretch from College Road to Station Road will be converted into a divided highway with raised medians, providing safer, more controlled left turns and U-turns. Sidewalks will be maintained or added on both sides of the street to improve pedestrian access.
The total cost of the MLK Parkway and Market Street project is estimated at $55 million, with funding coming primarily from motor fuel and highway use taxes. Residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on the design, as NCDOT has tentatively scheduled a public meeting for May 2025.
This project has been a long time coming. It was first announced in 2017, with initial construction slated for 2020. However, funding shortages delayed the start date. During the early planning stages, several designs were considered, including one that did not require a bridge. Ultimately, the single-point urban interchange design was selected because it promised minimal environmental and residential impact.
More Improvements for Market Street and Oleander Drive
The overpass isn’t the only upgrade planned for Market Street. NCDOT’s long-term improvement plan includes the installation of a raised median on Market Street from CSX Railroad to Cinema Drive and from Jacksonville Street to College Road. The goal is to reduce crashes and ease congestion. Originally slated to begin construction in 2021, this project—estimated to cost $22.65 million—is currently awaiting funding.
Oleander Drive is also set to receive attention. NCDOT plans to make improvements at the intersection of Oleander Drive and College Road, one of the busiest intersections in Wilmington. As of now, only preliminary engineering is funded. The total cost for the project is expected to exceed $38 million, and construction will not begin until additional funding is secured.
Widening Gordon Road
Another significant project that’s closer to becoming a reality is the widening of Gordon Road. This heavily trafficked route serves as a key connector between Market Street and Interstate 40. Anyone who’s driven this stretch during peak hours knows how backed up it can get.
NCDOT has awarded a $50.8 million contract to S.T. Wooten Corp. to widen Gordon Road to four lanes with a raised median. The improvements will span 2.5 miles, enhancing not only traffic flow but also pedestrian and cyclist access. The project includes a multi-use path and sidewalk that will run the length of the route. Upgrades will also be made to the drainage system, traffic signals, and utilities.
Construction on the Gordon Road project is scheduled to begin in spring 2025 and is expected to be completed by summer 2029. The total cost of the project is projected to be $81.1 million.
What’s Next for Wilmington’s Roads?
While it’s clear that traffic relief is on the way, patience will be required. Projects like the overpass at MLK Parkway and Market Street, the Market Street median, and the Gordon Road widening all have long timelines—with some not slated for completion until the end of the decade. But once completed, these projects promise to make Wilmington’s roads safer, less congested, and more accessible for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
In the meantime, keep an eye on NCDOT’s public meetings, like the one tentatively scheduled for May 2025 regarding the MLK Parkway project. These meetings offer an opportunity for residents to provide input and stay informed about how the construction will affect their daily commutes.
Growth may bring growing pains, but with these infrastructure upgrades, Wilmington’s future is looking a little less bumper-to-bumper.