Proposals for a new ‘superhighway', expansion of U.S. 64, are underway. The project is a two phase plan that includes a short solution that will last five to 10 years and a long term plan developing over a 30 year period.

Both proposals will expand the roadway and change the intersections, ultimately having only limited access to and from the road.

Currently, the DOT is getting feedback from resident in Apex, Cary and Pittsboro to come up with a final plan that will be approved by the end of the year.

But Tom Haynie never thought owning a restaurant on a main road like U.S. 64 could be bad for business. With new plans proposed by the DOT, he fears drivers will just pass him by.

"Convenience is important for all restaurants especially McDonalds. Getting here is going to be difficult with the new superhighway," Haynie said.

Director of Economic Development Jim Stella said the long term plans call for limited access.

"It's going to create certain barriers in getting to one side especially for people who live along the stretch," Stella said.

Stella said the roadway will make it easy for people to pass through the town without stopping hindering economic growth. But the DOT said their goal is just the opposite. Project Manager David Wasserman said they want to improve traffic flow and safety, bringing more people through the area and to local businesses.

"What we did is try to minimize impact to the corridor and to the adjacent land owners," Wasserman said.

Although the superhighway may not promote growth, Stella said there are positive aspects of the project.

"More people will travel the highway with these improvements," Stella said.

Haynie agrees.

"The current accidents at U.S. 1 and McGregor would be cut down...that's a plus," Haynie said.