Ground broken today on new Hampstead bypass aimed to help relieve congestion

After years of planning and obstacles, work is finally set to begin on a two-phase bypass around Hampstead.

WILMINGTON, N.C (WWAY) –Excitement was in the air this morning in Hampstead for the first steps of the long-awaited bypass. Those in attendance say they are optimistic about the benefits that the change will bring. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, more than 40 thousand vehicles travel down Highway-17 through Hampstead each day. After years of planning, ground…