More work planned at new U.S. 421 exchange near Toyota plant

LIBERTY — Even with the new opening of an interchange on U.S. 421 there’s still more road work to be done in that area.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced that a final layer of asphalt and markings will be put in place in the spring when there’s more consistent warmer temperatures.

The newest U.S. 421 interchange is at Shiloh Road. It’s the second interchange off the highway that’s connected to the opening of the Toyota battery plant.

The NCDOT says that the interchanges should improve safety and mobility in the region.

The new interchange is at the southern portion of Shiloh Road. There are roundabouts at the on / off ramps on both sides of U.S. 421.

Work crews spent about two months realigning ramps, paving and putting down pavement markings to prepare the interchange, according to NCDOT information.

Drivers can use the interchange from Shiloh Road or Starmount Road to access U.S. 421.

The first new U.S. 421 interchange in that area opened in 2024 about 1.5 miles to the north at Julian Airport Road and Dogwood Lane.

Investigation launched

On another part of U.S. 421, there was a major incident earlier this week.

Traffic heading from Guilford County on U.S. 421 toward Randolph County was redirected Tuesday after a trooper-involved shooting.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol pursued a vehicle exceeding the speed limit on U.S. 421 South to Pleasant Garden Road. An initial police report says the driver pulled out a handgun, and the trooper fired his weapon.

Kasandra Forbes, 36, of Greensboro was struck by a bullet and transported to a hospital in critical condition. Charges against Forbes were pending. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has taken over the case.