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The completion of US 321 from Gastonia through Lincolnton to Hickory made the development of the Lincoln County Industrial Park possible. The park currently has over 3.6 million square feet of manufacturing and distribution facilities with over 2,700 employees and an investment of over $350 million. All made possible by the "interstate" nature of US 321. Due in large part to the connectivity offered by US 321, the park now boasts over 16 industries, a $1 billion Apple data center just over the line in Catawba County and a 1.2 million square foot Target distribution center.

An accident on I-85 brought traffic to a dead stop on I-85 and Highway 74 on Wednesday, March 21st. The one vehicle incident caused by a jack-knifed truck, closed the interstate for about four hours.  Drivers reported estimated travel times to be ninety minutes to two hours thru the region. The Garden Parkway will provide an alternative for the growing number of commuters and greater connectivity to Charlotte as well as opening up the region to industrial growth and jobs.