Page last updated or reviewed: Sept 16, 2022 (move S.M. Wright photos to archive)
The new freeway connecting IH 45 to US 175 at SH 310 opened in July 2020. Demolition of the S.M. Wright Freeway (originally called South Central Expressway) and replacement with S.M. Wright Boulevard took place from 2021 to 2023.

Changes to the corridor south of SH 310 have been minimal, and the roadside views taken in 2007 are still accurate depictions in 2022.
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The former north section of US 175, from SH 310 northward, was originally known as Central Expressway and renamed S.M. Wright Freeway in 1995. The freeway is the C.F. Hawn Freeway south and East of SH 310. (Photo date: 15-April-2007)
(Photo date: 15-April-2007)
This is the Ghetto Club, located at the "Dead Man's Corner" intersection with SH 310. The building was in the path of the new freeway alignment, and it was cleared in 2015. (Photo date: 14-Feb-2015)
Seeing the Ghetto Club from the freeway, I always thought it was a bar. But it is actually a pool hall which serves barbeque. (Photo date: 11-Jan-2014)
Some of the text on the Ghetto Club exterior includes "No drinking, no drugs, no loitering, no weapons". (Photo date: 11-Jan-2014)
This is the site of the Ghetto Club in March 2016. Construction at this location was underway later in 2016. (Photo date: 26-Jan-2016)
This property just west of Dead Man's Corner was boarded up in January 2014, awaiting removal for clearance of the corridor for the new freeway alignment. (Photo date: 11-Jan-2014)
Looking northbound at Lake June road. (Photo date: 15-April-2007)
High resolution Looking northwest at Lake June road, with the downtown skyline in the distance. (Photo date: 15-April-2007)
High resolution Roadside at Masters Road. (Photo date: 15-April-2007)
High resolution South of Interstate 20, looking toward the interchange. This interchange was dedicated on January 7, 1972. (Photo date: 15-April-2007)
High resolution Looking northbound at Silverado road. The freeway is reduced to four main lanes (two each way) south of Interstate 20. (Photo date: 15-April-2007)
High resolution Looking northbound at Simonds road. (Photo date: 15-April-2007)
High resolution Looking northbound at FM 1389. (Photo date: 15-April-2007)