It’s been a big week for Winston-Salem, with two major milestones giving residents plenty to celebrate: a long-awaited highway opening and a historic sports championship.

The final piece of the I-74 Eastern Loop of the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway is officially open — and it arrived ahead of schedule. According to wfmynews2.com, the last segment of the Eastern Beltway was completed a full month and a half early, bringing an end to years of I-40 construction in Forsyth County. The new stretch of I-74 opened to drivers on Saturday, September 19, giving commuters and travelers a long-anticipated alternative route around the city. The early completion is a welcome sign for a region that has watched the project take shape over many years, and drivers can now enjoy smoother, faster travel through the area.

Meanwhile, on the diamond, the Winston-Salem Dash gave their fans something to cheer about that hasn’t happened in more than two decades. The Dash clinched their first league title since 2003, according to wfmynews2.com — a landmark achievement for the beloved minor league baseball club. The championship caps what has clearly been a standout season for the team and brings a wave of hometown pride to the Triad. For fans who have waited 23 years for this moment, the celebration is well earned.

Together, these two stories capture a city on the move — literally and figuratively. Whether you’re cruising a newly opened highway or cheering on a championship squad, Winston-Salem is giving its residents a lot to feel good about this September.

Sources: wfmynews2.com, wfmynews2.com