The active US 70 Bypass was born in October 1997 (NCDOT) as a replacement for US 70 bypassing I-95/Selma. This is slated to be part of I-42's alignment.

US 70 Bypass in Selma
2009 Johnston County

The decommissioned US 70 Bypass
The 2nd US 70 Bypass was was born in May 2016 (NCDOT) as a renumbering of NC 44 from US 70 near Rosewood to Wayne Memorial Dr Goldsboro and as new construction from there to US 70 near La Grange.
In March 2022 (NCDOT), US 70 Bypass was redesignated as I-42. Signage change did not occur until fall 2024.

NC 44 off I-795 in the Goldsboro area 2013 Official

US 70 Bypass replaces NC 44 2017-18 Official

US 70 Bypass becomes I-42 2025-26 Official