From Colonial Path to Modern Connection
Construction of the Great Wagon Road is making progress. North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) crews are relocating overhead utilities and installing underground infrastructure, including water, sewer, and natural gas lines.
Although the contract extends to 2029, we anticipate the project to be completed earlier. This project will ease traffic on Shallowford Road and control our growth while supporting change.
Beginning in the mid 1700s, settlers in the northeast began a southern migration on what was then called the Philadelphia Wagon Road. This path, traveling from Pennsylvania to Alabama, ran through Lewisville on its way to the Shallowford crossing of the Yadkin River. The area became a common overnight resting place for travelers.
Over time, the path became known as the Great Wagon Road, and the Lewisville area grew until becoming incorporated in 1991 as a Town. Town founders knew that more growth would come with time, and that traffic on Shallowford Road would increase. Typically, when that happens, the road would be widened, adding more lanes. However, founders wanted to preserve the small-town quaintness of Lewisville.
When the first Lewisville Comprehensive Plan was developed in the 1990’s, council and staff included the construction of the Great Wagon Road to run parallel with Shallowford Road, better accommodating traffic, while improving connectivity in the Town.
Great Wagon Road plans also ensure it will be pedestrian-friendly and improve safety for motorists and bicyclists. The completion of GWR will provide opportunities for controlled growth and a friendly downtown area for the community to gather together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Things might look a little different, with extra caution tape and safety markers, but that won't stop us from partying!
Parking for Shallowford Square events is available across Shallowford Road at the Public Works Building, along Lucy Lane, and at the G. Galloway Reynolds Community Center.
We have been notified that a closure will be going up near the Oaks Shopping Center (where the Food Lion is). More information and detour maps will be posted as soon as we have that information.
Branch Civil will be conducting roadway construction along Great Wagon Road. The connection from Great Wagon Road to Shallowford Road will be temporarily closed beginning June 8, 2026. The connection from Great Wagon Road to Lewisville Vienna Road will remain accessible.
