North Carolina Highway 42

North Carolina Highway 42 (NC 42) is a primary state highway in the U.S. state of North Carolina and a semi-urban traffic artery connecting Asheboro, Sanford, Clayton, Wilson and Ahoskie as well as many small- to medium-sized towns throughout Central and Eastern North Carolina. The highway is primarily rural, avoiding larger cities such as Raleigh. NC 42 begins at I-73/I-74/US 220 on the western side of Asheboro. From there the highway runs southeast toward Sanford. Running through the heart of Sanford, NC 42 intersects several major highways such as US 1 and US 421. Leaving Sanford the highway runs along the southern side of the Triangle Area, while servicing the smaller towns of Fuquay-Varina and Clayton. Further east the highway intersects both I-95 and US 264, shortly before entering central Wilson. Leaving Wilson the highway continues to the northeast, and intersects US 258 near Crisp. North of intersecting US 64, NC 42 begins a concurrency with NC 11 from Hassell to western Ahoskie. Nearing Ahoskie the highway turns to the east and runs south of the center of the town. NC 42 follows concurrently with US 13 southeast to Powellsville. Nearing its eastern terminus the highway turns east along its own routing until reaching NC 45 in Colerain where the highway ends. NC 42 is the third longest state highway in the U.S. state of North Carolina.

NC 42 was established as an original state highway running from NC 133 north of Wilson to NC 12 in Pinetops. Between 1934 and 1935 NC 42 was extended twice, first to NC 23 south of Emit, and then to US 15A west of McCullers. The western terminus of the highway was moved in 1948 to US 15A (Now US 401) in Fuquay-Varina, placing NC 42 on its modern routing south of Raleigh. Four years later, NC 42's eastern terminus was extended to US 64 in Conetoe. In 1960 the highway was extended to US 421 east of Sanford. However, in 1963 NC 42 was routed concurrently with US 421 through Sanford before following its own routing to NC 22. The highway then followed NC 22 to the northwest, and replaced NC 902 between Coleridge and Asheboro. The same year, NC 42 was extended along new routing through Hassell, ending at NC 125 south of Hamilton. The last major change to NC 42 was in 1976, when the highway was routed along NC 11 and US 13 through Ahoskie and then replaced NC 350 to NC 45 in Colerain.

Asheboro to Sanford
The western terminus of NC 42 is located at I-73, I-74, and US 220 in Western Asheboro. The ramps for the interchange are located in the median of I-73, I-74, and US 220, meaning NC 42 begins in the center of the freeway. NC 42 begins by travelling east along Salisbury Street toward downtown. At the interchange, NC 42 is a four-lane highway, yet narrows to two-lanes west of McIntyre Street. NC 42 briefly parallels, and later crosses a railroad operated by Norfolk Southern. NC 42 intersects US 220 Business (Fayetteville Street) in the central business area of Asheboro. From the intersection, NC 42 travels east through a residential area of Asheboro. At a three-way junction, NC 42 bears to the southeast towards US 64 Business. NC 42 intersects US 64 Business at Dixie Drive, in a commercialized area of Asheboro. Travelling southeast, NC 42 runs adjacent to several residential neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city. NC 42 meets US 64 Bypass at a partial cloverleaf interchange southwest of Asheboro. The highway continues to run in a southeasterly direction, passing to the north of the North Carolina Zoo.

As NC 42 travels further from Asheboro, the surrounding area becomes increasingly rural. Large forested areas and farms are mixed with sparse houses. NC 42 begins a slow turn to the east south of Hayfield Drive, which it completes before reaching Old Cox Road/Grantville Lane. The highway continues eastward until reaching Hinshaw Town Road, where NC 42 bears to the southeast. NC 42 continues southeastward for 2.1 mi until making a turn to the northeast. The highway continues for 2.9 mi, before crossing Deep River west of Coleridge. NC 42 briefly parallels the river in Coleridge, before intersecting NC 22. At the intersection, NC 42 turns to the south to follow concurrently with NC 22 toward Sanford. NC 22/NC 42 briefly travel to the south before turning southeastward. The highway once again parallels the Deep River for 0.4 mi until the river turns to the south. NC 42 continues to run concurrently with NC 22 for 9.4 mi to the southeast. NC 22 and NC 42 pass to the south and west of the town of Bennett. South of Bennett, NC 22 and NC 42 intersects the western terminus of NC 902. NC 22 and NC 42 continue to run concurrently for 1.4 mi southeast of NC 902. At an intersection with Charlie Garner Road, NC 42 bears to the east toward Sanford. NC 42 crosses several tributaries of the Deep River prior to intersecting Siler City-Glendon Road. East of the intersection, NC 42 makes multiple curves which temporarily adjust its orientation to the northeast and southeast. The final curve adjust the orientation of NC 42 southeastward toward Carbonton. NC 42 continues through the unincorporated community before crossing the Deep River and entering into Lee County. Beginning at the Lee County line, NC 42 is given the name "Carbonton Road". At Woolard Road, NC 42 turns to the east toward Sanford. Several curves between Woolard Road and Sanford give the highway a slightly southeastward orientation. Nearing Sanford, the highway begins to run adjacent to residential neighborhoods west of the city. The road name changes to Wicker Street at an intersection with Steel Bridge Road and Carbonton Road in western Sanford. NC 42 continues east along Wicker Street for 1.8 mi before meeting US 1, US 15, and US 501 at a diamond interchange.

Sanford to Clayton
After an interchange with US 15 and US 501, NC 42 continues northeast along Wicker Street into Sanford. Until reaching Carthage Street the area is mostly residential, however as the road continues east more commercial buildings are found roadside. In downtown Sanford, NC 42 turns to the south along US 421 Business (South Horner Boulevard), exiting the downtown area. The highway passes under a railroad operated by CSX Transportation and the turns toward the southeast. The four lane highway enters into a primarily commercial area until NC 42 turns off at Main Street. After crossing a railroad operated by Atlantic and Western Railroad, the highway moves from a commercial area to a primarily residential area. After Rosser Road, the road name changes from Main Street to Broadway Road. NC 42 meets US 421 and NC 87 Bypass as it exits Sanford to the east. The highway passes by East Lee Middle School, along with several warehouses and a mobile home park all before leaving Sanford. NC 42 bears off along Avents Ferry Road to the northeast running toward Corinth. After intersecting Buck Horn Road, NC 42 begins a slow turn due north, however the highway begins a turn back to the northeast briefly before intersecting Poplar Springs Church Road. As NC 42 continues northeast, the highway crosses over the Cape Fear River. Avents Ferry Road meets with Corinth Road to the southwest of the town, and NC 42 turns right to follow Corinth Road to the northeast. As NC 42 enters into the small community of Corinth, several houses appear alongside the highway. However, as the highway makes a slow turn to the southeast, the houses give way to forests alongside Harris Lake. NC 42 passes over a railroad operated by Norfolk Southern, briefly before the highway turns directly south. The highway makes several turns toward the northeast, routing the highway toward Duncan. Entering into the area around Duncan, several small farms appear alongside the road. NC 42 also turns toward the east to run through the heart of Duncan. Leaving Duncan to the east, NC 42 once again crosses the railroad operated by Norfolk Southern, however this time at an at-grade crossing. NC 42 turns to the northeast along Academy Street, and runs adjacent to several fields along with several rural neighborhoods. By the time the highway intersects Judd Parkway, the fields disappear into a strictly residential area. Just before entering into the downtown area, the highway once again crosses the Norfolk Southern Railway. In downtown Fuquay-Varina, NC 42 turns to the north and follows US 401 (Main Street) towards Raleigh. Main Street turns to the east, paralleling the adjacent railroad. US 401 and NC 42 meets up with NC 55 (Ennis Street) in a commercial area along the northern side of town. NC 42 continues to follow concurrently with US 401 and NC 55 for 2.0 mi, until both NC 42 and NC 55 bear off to the south. NC 42 and NC 55 stay concurrent for 0.3 mi until NC 42 bears off to the southeast. The highway continues to run toward the east, with multiple neighborhoods and farms adjacent to the highway. NC 42 meets up with NC 50 in a rural area near Cleveland. Through Cleveland, the route serves as the main commercial district through the rapidly growing suburban area of northern Johnston County. The highway turns to the northeast, before entering a commercial area near the I-40 interchange. East of that interchange, NC 42 crosses Swift Creek and meets up with US 70 at exit 320. As the highway nears Clayton, its passes to the south of a hospital and then moves into a residential area.

Clayton to Wilson
NC 42 enters into Clayton from the west along Lombard Street. Past Guy Road, several commercial stores are located adjacent to the highway, along with an elementary school. The highway meets US 70 Business at an incomplete interchange southwest of downtown Clayton. Westbound NC 42 follows Barbour and Hamby Streets before intersecting Lombard Street. NC 42 turns to the east to follow along US 70 Business. The two highways follow concurrently for 1.2 mi before NC 42 bears northeast along its own four lane highway. The highway bears further to the east before passing by several research and industrial buildings. After Glen Laurel Road, the highway narrows down from four lanes to a two lane road. As the highway continues east, it crosses the Neuse River, another elementary school along with multiple residential developments. Most of the neighborhoods dissipate as NC 42 crosses Buffalo Road, turning into forests and farms. NC 42 intersects NC 96 southwest of the unincorporated community of Jordan. 1.7 mi after intersecting NC 96, NC 42 intersects NC 39 and turns toward the northeast, before making another slight turn to the east. Continuing east, NC 42 meets NC 222 and the highway's share a brief 0.2 mi concurrency. From there, NC 42 and Little Creek begin to parallel each other. Several accesses to Buckhorn Reservoir are located along the northern side of NC 42. Just past the reservoir, NC 42 meets up with NC 581, and begins a turn to the northeast to parallel I-95. NC 42 makes a slight turn to the east and meets up with I-95 at exit 116. Past I-95, NC 42 becomes a four lane divided highway. The highway meets up with I-587, I-795, and US 264 at exit 40 west of Wilson where you can see the beautiful Wilson skyline. NC 42 makes a turn to the northeast before turning back to the east and entering into Wilson from the east.

Wilson to Ahoskie
NC 42 enters into Wilson along Tarboro Street. Up to Forest Hills Road, the surrounding area is a mix of farms and residential housing, however after intersecting the road, the landscape turns into commercial buildings. The road passes by Wilson Medical Center along with a shopping center before intersecting US 264 Alternative at Ward Boulevard. At the Ward Boulevard intersection, NC 42 turns left to follow along the road to the north. After intersecting Parkwood Boulevard West, most of the stores fade away to a residential section of northwest Wilson. US 264 Alternate breaks away to the west at Raleigh Road Parkway. Continuing on Ward Boulevard, NC 42 makes a turn to the northeast before intersecting NC 58 at Nash Street. The highway turns directly west, running along the northern side of the Brentwood neighborhood. After intersecting Tilghman Road, the highway takes another right turn toward the southeast, now running along the eastern side of Wilson. Passing by Tosinot Reservoir to the west, the highway turns due south. Ward Boulevard and Raleigh Road Parkway meet again, at a T-Intersection. NC 42/NC 58 and Ward Boulevard all turn to the left to head to the southeast. NC 42 turns left at Herring Avenue, where the highway runs to the east. The residential neighborhoods surrounding the road quickly fade to farms and several large factories which are situated on the outside of the town. The highway meets US 301 at an interchange on the far eastern side of Wilson, before heading east–southeast.

After passing to the north of the residential community of Larkspur, the highway begins a slow turn to the northeast towards Pinetops. Approaching the unincorporated community of Wilbanks, several houses and churches appear adjacent to the highway. The highway turns due east, immediately before reaching NC 124. At the intersection, NC 42 turns and continues to the northeast. Approaching Pinetops, the highway intersects NC 111 before entering the town to the west. NC 42 enters into a residential area of western Pinetops along Hamlet Street. After Fifth Street, NC 42 enters into more of the commercial center of the town and passes by several stores. At Third Street, NC 42 intersects NC 43, and the two highway begins running concurrently to the east.

Leaving the center of Pinetops, the highway passes by several more stores and an elementary school before reentering a residential zone on the western side of the town. After intersecting Bynum Farm Road, the highway turns to the southeast and enters into a rural area with mostly farms and small forests. Between Matts Lane and Vinesdale Road the highway makes a turn due east before intersecting US 258. Continuing east, the highway intersects the eastern terminus of NC 124, immediately before NC 43 bears off to the southeast. The highway turns to the northeast through the unincorporated community of Old Sparta. Crossing the Tar River, NC 42 continues for 0.8 mi before reaching NC 33. The highway continues east–northeast passing multiple fields and crossing several creeks before reaching Conetoe.

Nearing Conetoe, the highway turns due east, before turning to the northeast entering into the town limits along Church Street. Church Street runs through a residential area of the town and crosses a railroad operated by CSX Transportation. NC 42 meets US 64 Alternate (Canal Street) on the northeastern side of town, before exiting to the east. The highway makes a general turn to the northeast after intersecting Vine Lane and also enters into a forested area as it approaches US 64. The highway crosses Conetoe Creek before meeting up with US 64 at exit 494. The highway continues northeast through a mix of small forests and farms, and makes several curves to the north and east. NC 42 meets up with NC 142 west of Hassell. NC 142 follows concurrently along NC 42, as the highway makes a turn due east and meets up with NC 11. At the intersection NC 42 turns left to follow along NC 11 to the north, while NC 142 continues east towards Hassell. The two highways follow concurrently to the north–northwest towards Oak City. Before reaching the northern terminus of NC 111 in Oak City, the highways turn to the east–northeast. Entering into Oak City, the highway runs along the northern border of the town with homes along the southern side of the road and farms along the northern side. NC 11/NC 42 meet up with NC 125 on the northwest side of town, before exiting to the northeast. Between Oak City and the NC 903 intersection, the highway makes a general turn further east, however makes a turn back to the northeast immediately before reaching the highway. After the intersection, nearly all the farms dissipate into forests, and the highway continues running northeast. The highway crosses the Roanoke River before turning nearly due north. The highway makes several small turns further northeast before reaching the town of Lewiston Woodville. The highway bypasses the main part of the town to the east, with only a few houses, and several small stores found alongside the road. NC 11/NC 42 meet up with NC 308 at Church Street however quickly exit the town to the north. Between Lewiston Woodville and Aulander, the highway is relatively straight, making only one turn to the northeast briefly before passing the Luella community. South of Aulander the highway meets up with NC 11 Business, which runs to the west of its parent route through Aulander and along old NC 350.

The highway doesn't ever enter into the town limits of Aulander, instead it bypasses the town to the east. It meets up with NC 305 at Commerce Street, where several houses are found adjacent to the intersection, however the highway continues through mostly forests and small farms. Northeast of the unincorporated community of Millennium, the highway meets up with the northern terminus of NC 11 Business. The highway then turns further to the east toward Ahoskie. Nearing the town, the highway turns north to briefly parallel Knee Branch, before NC 42 breaks off of NC 11, turning to the east. Continuing east, the highway runs adjacent to several rural residential neighborhoods west of town. The highway turns northeast and crosses Ahoskie Creek before entering the town limits.

Ahoskie to Colerain
NC 42 enters the town on the southwestern side, following along Academy Street. Southwest of the central business district of Ahoskie, the highway meets up with US 13/NC 561 (Memorial Drive). At the intersection, NC 42 turns right to follow concurrently along US 13/NC 561 to the east–southeast. Memorial Drive continues through predominately residential area, until reaching Catherine Creek Road, where many more small stores are found adjacent to the highway. After passing a shopping center, NC 561 breaks off to the east toward Harrellsville. US 13/NC 42 turn further to the south before leaving the town limits of Ahoskie. As the highway continues to the southeast, the landscape changes back to mostly forests and farmland, however multiple houses are found along the segment between Ahoskie and Powellsville. The highway turns even further to the south after intersecting Creekside Drive. Once again, the highway crosses over Ashokie Creek, before nearing Powellsville. NC 42 breaks off of US 13 to the northeast of Powellsville and runs southeast along Main Street into town. The surrounding area is mostly residential with very few stores adjacent to the highway. After intersecting Commerce Street, NC 42 passes by both the town hall and the post office in Powellsville. The highway continues southeast along Main Street and passes a school before leaving the town. Even after leaving the town limits, the area alongside the highway remains rural residential until reaching Rockpile Road where most of the homes stop. NC 42 continues to the east–southeast through a very rural area with only a few small farms alongside the road. The highway crosses over and passes by several swamps as it runs toward Colerain. Nearing the town, the highway dips further to the south and then gradually turns back to the northeast. The highway turns nearly due east as it enters town along River Street. The remaining 0.6 miles is mostly residential with several stores near the highways eastern terminus. NC 42 ends at NC 45 just north of the central business district of Colerain.

History
NC 42 was first dedicated in 1922 as a modest 19 mi connector from Wilson to Pinetops. In the 1930s and 40s it was extended west to Clayton and by 1950 it reached Fuquay-Varina. In the late 50s, early 60s it was extended in both directions to Conetoe in the east and Asheboro to the west. The last extension came in 1990 to meet with the I-73/I-74/US 220 freeway in Asheboro.

A major project to widen NC 42 east of Clayton from two lanes to four lanes with a divided median began in early 2010s. The first segment was between US 70 Bus to just west of the Neuse River bridge while the second segment extended the widening further to Buffalo Road in Flowers.

In July 2023, NCDOT proposed creating a gap-in-route by renumbering a 10-mile section of NC 42 into NC 36, in Johnston County. The rationale is that it will eliminate confusion by those in the area between it and Interstate 42. NCDOT requested public input on this proposal at an open house on October 12, 2023.

Future
NCDOT is currently planning to further widen NC 42 between NC 50 to US 70 Bus in Clayton to four lanes with a raised median as well. The project is set to start in Spring 2029. A separate project to convert the NC 42/I-40 interchange from a partial cloverleaf to a diverging diamond is also currently under construction. This project is part of the I-40 widening project between Southeast Raleigh to Clayton.

More recently, NCDOT has proposed on renumbering a section of NC 42 into NC 36 around future Interstate 42 in hopes to eliminate confusion; if implemented, it will create two disconnected segments of NC 42.