MOREHEAD CITY — State transportation officials have dropped some alternatives proposed for the route of a new connector road meant to ease congestion.
A meeting to discuss the proposed Bridges Street Extension to U.S. 70 in the Wildwood vicinity will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell St.
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The North Carolina Department of Transportation is holding the drop-in meeting to present the latest project information, receive input and answer questions about the proposed project. While no formal presentation will be made at the meeting, NCDOT representatives will be on hand to answer questions and listen to comments.
The Bridges Street Extension project, which is included in the State Transportation Improvement Program, is to extend the current Bridges Street Extension around 3 miles to connect U.S. 70 in the Wildwood vicinity. The project includes widening the roadway along Business Drive to Old Airport Road, then travel westward.
“The project is anticipated to relieve congestion on U.S. 70 and improve mobility throughout the area. Additionally, the project would provide better access to the Business Park on Business Drive,” according to NCDOT.
Since a public meeting in July 2018, the Old Murdoch Road without-walls alternative, the northern connector to Business Drive and the Gladys Teasley Lane alternative have been eliminated from further study.
Although no decision has been made on a preferred alternative, DOT said that based on public feedback and coordination with resource agencies and local jurisdictions, the agency is performing additional field investigations, considering the potential environmental, natural and human impacts and refining designs.
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Two alternatives are being carried forward for further review: Sam Garner West and Old Murdoch Road with walls.
A State Environmental Assessment, or EA, is to be done to document the project’s effects and address concerns expressed by the public and others during the planning process. The EA and a Finding of No Significant Impact, or FONSI, document is anticipated for completion in June.
Written comments can still be submitted by phone, email or mail through April 22. Comments received will be taken into consideration as the project develops.
For more information, contacts are Liz Workman at lsworkman@ncdot.gov or 919-854-6221 and Candice Andre at candre@vhb.com or 919-741-5346 .
