Franklin County offers unmatched access to major markets with a robust network of highways, interstates, air, rail, and ports, providing seamless connections to the largest manufacturing corridor in the U.S. and major East Coast hubs. With three interstates and a variety of major highways, Franklin County is strategically positioned to keep your business moving. Add that to the nearby Raleigh-Durham International Airport and three major ports just two hours away, and Franklin County becomes your gateway to the world.

Highways & Interstates

Franklin County is connected by a vast
network of highways and interstates:

  • I-540 is less than 25 minutes’ drive time via
    U.S. HWY 1, providing easy access to key markets.
  • I-85 is less than 20 minutes’ drive time and I-95 is less than 40 minutes’ drive time, north to south, placing you within reach of the Eastern Seaboard.
  • I-40 connects western markets and North Carolina’s ports, keeping your supply chain efficient.

Other essential highways that keep Franklin
County business-friendly include:

  • U.S. HWY 1, U.S. HWY 64, and U.S. HWY 401
  • NC HWY 39, NC HWY 56 , NC HWY 96, NC HWY 98,
    NC HWY 561,     and NC HWY 581

Motor Freight

With 66 freight carriers serving Franklin County, you can expect overnight deliveries to cities within a 400-mile radius and nationwide service within an average of four days. The entire Eastern Seaboard is just a one-day reach.

Airports

Located just 25 miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), Franklin County enjoys direct access to more than 400 daily arrivals and departures, making it a premier location for global connectivity. RDU has several non-stop flights to Europe.

The Triangle North Executive Airport offers a 5,500-ft runway, FAA-designated as a reliever for RDU. With state-of-the-art facilities like the ILS (Instrument Landing System), AWOS-3 (Automated Weather Observation System), and GCO (Ground Communications Outlet), this general aviation facility provides top-notch services, including fueling, maintenance, and even flight schools for both fixed-wing and helicopter pilots. This airport can accommodate airplanes up to 90,000 lb dual wheel load and will be starting an airport renovation within two years to extend the runway to 6,200 feet and replace the terminal building.

Ports

Franklin County is within easy reach of
three major ports:

  • Norfolk, VA Port (125 miles) with 70 bulk and
    70 container freight handlers. 3 - hour drive time.
  • Wilmington, NC Port (137 miles) with 50 bulk freight and 10 container freight handlers.
    2 1/2 hour drive time.
  • Morehead, NC Port (145 miles) with 50 bulk freight handlers. 3 hour drive time.
Rail

Franklin County is an easy drive to the CSX Carolina Connector 40 miles away.

Maps

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Interstates
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