In real estate, "Location, Location, Location" is often dictated by "Construction, Construction, Construction."

For residents and investors in Southeastern North Carolina, 2026 is a pivotal year for infrastructure. We aren't just looking at blueprints anymore; we are looking at bulldozers. From the widening of critical evacuation routes in Brunswick County to the "final connection" phases in Pender, the road map of our region is physically changing this year.

Here is your expert guide to the orange cones, the completion dates, and—most importantly—how these projects will reshape property values in New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick counties.

1. The Hampstead Bypass: The "Visual" Phase

If you drive Highway 17 through Pender County, you know the story. But in 2026, the plot thickens as the two sections of the bypass hit different milestones.

The Northern Leg (NC 210 to North of Hampstead): This is the finish line stretch. In 2026, you will see final paving and noise wall installations. This section is on track to open to traffic by late 2026 or early 2027, immediately siphoning some through-traffic off the main commercial corridor.

The Southern Leg (NC 140 to NC 210): While the north is wrapping up, the south is ramping up. Late 2026 marks the projected start of heavy construction for this final link. For buyers, this means the window of opportunity to buy land near the future NC 140 interchange before prices spike is closing fast.

2. Brunswick County: The NC 211 Widening Reality

If you live in St. James, Southport, or Oak Island, 2026 is the year of "gritting your teeth for the greater good."

Status: The widening of NC 211 from Midway Road to NC 87 is now over 50% complete.

The 2026 Outlook: Expect major lane shifts as crews focus on new bridge structures and median installations. While the orange cones are a headache today, the payoff is huge: a four-lane divided highway that serves as a true evacuation lifeline and cuts commute times to Southport. Completion is targeted for Summer 2027, making 2026 the peak construction year.

3. The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge: The Year of Decision

Will it be a toll? Will it be a fixed span? 2026 is the year we finally get the answer.

While you won't see cranes on the river this year, Fall 2026 is the target for NCDOT to select the final design—likely a fixed-span replacement for the aging lift bridge.

Why it matters: Once the design is locked in, the "impact zone" becomes official. Property values in Leland and South Wilmington will react immediately to the clarity of the new route, long before construction begins in FY 2028.

4. The "Sleeping Giant": Carolina Bays Parkway Extension

Keep an eye on the SC/NC border. This massive project—extending SC Hwy 31 into Brunswick County to connect with US 17—is moving through key planning stages in 2026.

The Impact: A game-changer for Calabash and Shallotte. Creating a high-speed artery that bypasses Little River traffic positions southern Brunswick County for rising property values as it becomes a desirable commuter hub for Myrtle Beach.

5. Pender County: The New "Civic Hub" Traffic

In Burgaw, the new Pender County Health and Human Services building is reshaping traffic patterns along US 117.

What to Watch: Expect new signals and turn lanes near Progress Drive as this facility nears its April 2026 completion. This upgrade signals Burgaw’s slow shift from small county seat to emerging employment center.

Navigating the Construction Zone

A new road doesn't just change a commute; it changes a neighborhood. It can turn a quiet cul-de-sac into a shortcut or turn a rural plot into prime commercial land.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we overlay NCDOT maps with real estate data. We know which neighborhoods in Brunswick will struggle with construction noise in 2026 and which ones in Pender are perfectly positioned to benefit from the bypass opening. Don’t buy based on today’s roads—let us show you where the roads will be tomorrow.