This step completes the project’s environmental review. Once a pending legal challenge is resolved, the state may begin right-of-way acquisition and construction planning, according to a news release from the N.C. Department of Transportation.

The Northern Beltway consists of a western portion from U.S. 158 north to U.S. 52 and an eastern portion from U.S. 52 north of Winston-Salem to U.S. 311 southeast of Winston-Salem. The project may cost more than $1 billion.

Having work start on the Northern Beltway has long been seen as a requisite step before improvements can upgrade U.S. 52 to interstate status on what’s designated as the Interstate 74, or I-74, corridor between Mount Airy and Winston-Salem.

North Carolina added almost 200,000 people in 12 months — a 2.2 percent increase — and crossed the 9 million population mark for the first time, according to the Census Bureau’s new estimate.

The Census Bureau says Surry County’s population has grown to 72,687, up nearly 1,500 (2.0 percent) from 2000, making it North Carolina’s 35th most-populous county.

Lots of business news piled up while we were away. We’ll work through the stack as fast as possible. Meanwhile, feel free to send along your business news and tips to editor@SurryBusiness.com.

TopRetirements.com’ reviewer writes, “If your idea of retirement living means a small friendly town with a downtown you can easily walk around and greet your neighbors, Mount Airy, North Carolina, might be the retirement community for you….

“Mount Airy, located in northwest North Carolina, has a lot to attract active adults 55+…. Tourist attractions like the mountains and the Andy Griffith connection, combined with North Carolina’s moderate climate, have contributed to a strong economy. There is plenty to do and see. The tourism industry provides a source of jobs for retirees who are interested.

“Real estate might strike many as a bargain in Mount Airy. According to Yahoo Real Estate, the MLS median asking price of 167 homes offered for sale in late 2006 was $129,900. There were 15 homes listed in real estate classifieds with a median price of $145,000.”

Speaking of real estate, the National Association of Realtors’ magazine, “On Common Grounds,” featured Mount Airy in its Winter 2006 issue. “Micropolitans: The Best of Both Worlds” described the advantages of living in places like the Mount Airy Micropolitan Area. “Micropolitan” is a U.S. Census Bureau designation for a population cluster of 10,000 to 50,000 people around a central city or town.