FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- After more than two decades of construction, the final stretch of the Fayetteville Outer Loop, also known as Interstate 295, is officially open, completing a 39-mile road designed to ease traffic congestion and boost economic growth across the Sandhills region.

State and local leaders gathered Tuesday morning for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the western portion of the highway, which stretches from U.S. 401 Business north of Fayetteville to Interstate 95 near the Cumberland-Robeson county line. Construction on the loop began in 1999, with the first section opening in 2003.

The nearly $1 billion project was finished five months ahead of schedule. Officials said the interstate now provides direct, uninterrupted connectivity from Fort Brag

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