The Interstate 40 Lenoir-Rhyne Boulevard Interchange Improvements Project is being constructed in a highly commercial area of Hickory, Catawba County, NC. The initial version of the project included a new loop ramp in the interchange’s northeast quadrant, revised on- and off-ramps, lengthened acceleration tapers, new right turn lanes, a new concrete monolithic center island on the existing overpass, and lane restriping.

Rice professionals provided the project management and environmental analysis to complete the project’s environmental document, a Categorical Exclusion (CE) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), interchange modification report (IMR) community studies, ICE analysis, and public involvement for this project.  Rice professionals also provided the field data collection, and cartography.

The project was shelved in 2019 due to funding. It was reestablished in 2024 and the design was changed to include a redesigned ramp loop and westbound Interstate 40 offramp in the northeastern quadrant, abbreviated acceleration taper, sidewalks, crosswalks, crossing islands and curb ramps.  Rice prepared the Construction Consultation to update the NEPA CE.