U-4434: Independence Boulevard Extension

This project proposes to extend Independence Boulevard by 1.7 miles from the intersection with Randall Parkway and Mercer Avenue to U.S. 74 (Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway) in Wilmington.

A Draft Environmental Impact Statement for this project has been completed.

This site is intended for information review and comment / question collection for this project.

For more information please visit: https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/independence-boulevard/Pages/default.aspx

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A Corridor Public Hearing will be held

December 1, 2025

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington (GLOW)

4100 Sunglow Drive

Wilmington, NC 28405 from

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Interactive Project Vicinity Map

Project Overview:

Proposed improvements include extending Independence Boulevard for approximately 1.7 miles from the intersection with Randall Parkway and Mercer Avenue to U.S. 74 (Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway).

The N.C. Department of Transportation project team will also consider overpasses, intersection improvements and interchanges at multiple locations along the proposed route.

Additional lanes along Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway might be needed for continuous connection with nearby interchanges at Kerr Avenue and 23rd Street. The project includes two proposed CSX railroad crossings.

Next Steps

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be used to select the Preferred Alternative for the project. The full report is available for the public on this website along with technical studies that inform the DEIS.

NCDOT will hold a corridor public hearing on December 1, 2025 that will include a formal presentation to give the public the opportunity to ask questions, give formal statements, and comment on the project.

Following the corridor public hearing, the project team will select the Preferred Alternative for the project. Following the selection of the Preferred Alternative, the Final Environmental Impact Statement will be completed. The Final Environmental Impact Statement will evaluate the potential impacts of the Preferred Alternative and address comments received on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, at the public hearing, and during the comment period following the corridor public hearing. The public can expect a Final Environmental Impact Statement in 2027, followed by a design public hearing. A Record of Decision is scheduled to be completed later in 2027.

Project Alternatives:

Two design alternatives are being considered. They both share the same alignment but have a different interchange option at Market Street. The two interchange options are a single point urban interchange (SPUI) and a tight urban diamond interchange (TUDI). Both interchange options would require less land area than a traditional interchange.

Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI) Alternative

The SPUI alternative provides better traffic operation. Both left turn lanes at the Market Street intersection can move at the same time. Pedestrian crossings at Market Street provided by the SPUI alternative require pedestrians to cross the right turns to and from the ramps without a separate pedestrian signal. These pedestrian crossings are located under a bridge and may require the addition of lighting for safety. The SPUI alternative would require the relocation of 58 homes and 29 businesses, which is less residential and business relocations than the TUDI alternative.

Please provide any comments regarding the Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI).

Tight Urban Diamond Interchange (TUDI) Alternative

The TUDI alternative would provide pedestrians a crosswalk that is timed with traffic signals. Pedestrian crossings would occur away from the bridge structure and would not require extra lighting. The TUDI alternative would require the relocation of 69 homes and 37 businesses, which is more than the SPUI alternative.

Please provide any comments you may have regarding the Tight Urban Diamond Interchange.

Project Schedule

Milestone	Date*
Draft Environmental Impact Statement Completed	Sept 2025
Public Hearing	Dec 2025
Preferred Alternative Selected	Spring 2026
Final Environmental Impact Statement	Winter 2026/2027
Design Public Hearing	2027
Record of Decision	2027
Right-of-Way Acquisition	TBD
Construction Begins	TBD

Future dates are subject to change.

Project Funding

Activity	Estimated Cost*
Right of Way Acquisition	$ 133.5 Million
Utility Relocation	$ 2.3 Million
Construction Costs	$ 288.8 Million
Total Cost	$ 424.6 Million

*Estimated costs are subject to change.

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Comments/Questions

NCDOT accepts comments throughout all phases of project development.
The public is encouraged to leave comments using the project email or phone number.

Email: IndependenceBlvd@PublicInput.com

Phone number: 601-300-5186 enter project code 4173

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All comments received carry equal weight, regardless of submission method.

All comments will be reviewed and suggestions/recommendations incorporated into designs where feasible.

RESOURCES FOR PROPERTY OWNERS

Although the N.C. Department of Transportation works to minimize the number of homes and businesses displaced by a road project, it is inevitable, in many cases, that a certain amount of private property is needed. The following information explains right of way acquisition and answers questions about the process.

Right-of-Way Frequently Asked Questions

Right of way Acquisition Process Videos

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