Upgrading U.S. Highway 70 in eastern North Carolina could boost the state’s economy, attract new jobs and provide a faster route from Raleigh to the coast, according to a study released last Thursday. The study, prepared for the U.S. 70 Corridor Commission and the N.C. Dept. of Transportation, suggests building bypasses around Goldsboro, Kinston, New Bern and Morehead City. The enhancements would cut travel time from Raleigh to the coast by more than an hour, the report said. Currently, the trip takes about 2.5 hours. “The communities surrounding the corridor are losing their competitive advantage to those areas with better highway access, fewer traffic signals and less congestion,” the report said. “For example, during interviews with local stakeholders, it was noted that tourists are now avoiding U.S. 70 and taking a more circuitous route to the coast to avoid delays from traffic or competing with trucks for road space.” Some parts of the plan are already underway. The Goldsboro Bypass is expected to be completed by the end of 2015. The other improvements have yet to be scheduled, according to the NCDOT.