U-6065: U.S. 17 / N.C. 172 Intersection Improvements

Project Update

Over the past year, NCDOT has been reviewing projects for cost-saving opportunities. As part of this effort, the Project Team reviewed the proposed improvements at U.S. 17 (Wilmington Highway) and N.C. 172 (Sneads Ferry Road) and through coordination with the Jacksonville Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (JUMPO), determined that the U-6065 project could be scaled back and still provide improvements to safety and congestion.

Vicinity Map

NEW: Reduction in Project Scope

Proposed improvements now include intersection upgrades only as part of Alternative 4. A permanent signal would be placed at U.S. 17 and N.C. 172 keeping this as a traditional signalized T-intersection. A signal would also be added at the intersection of U.S. 17 and Old Folkstone Road allowing left-turns onto Old Folkstone Road, and right-turns onto U.S. 17.

This reduction in project scope has secondary benefits in that it addresses the concerns relayed after the December 2021 Newsletter was sent out. These concerns included right-of-way impacts to homes along Old Folkstone Road and access to U.S. 17 at Old Folkstone Road. With Alternative 4, no right-of-way impacts are anticipated to any residences in the project area and the new signal at U.S. 17 and Old Folkstone Road will help to improve the safety concerns and access at this location.

Proposed Intersection Concept

Project History

Three Alternatives were previously evaluated for the project and presented at the July 2019 public meeting and in the December 2021 Newsletter. Links to these maps and common questions from previous public meetings are provided at the bottom of this page.

As a result of feedback received at the July 2019 Public Meeting, Alternative 3 was developed and presented in the December 2021 Newsletter. The Project Team adjusted the connector road alignment of Alternative 3 to utilize the existing Tile Lane approximately 800 feet east of the previous Alternative 2. Both intersections along the new Connector Road would be stop-controlled since current traffic volumes did not warrant the installation of signals.

Shifting Alternative 3 east to align with Tile Lane reduced the total number of properties impacted by right-of-way. Additionally, while the Green T-Intersection at U.S. 17 and N.C. 172 would alleviate a substantial amount of congestion, the extra distance between the Connector Road and U.S. 17 would help to mitigate concerns regarding back-ups blocking the new intersection.

Project Development

The development of alternatives and the required environmental studies are conducted in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and public outreach is one step in the project planning process.

Public comments will be accepted through March 17, 2023. Please submit your comments using one of the options at the end of this page.

Project Planning Process

Activity	Alternative 3 Estimated Cost*
Right of Way Acquisition	$ 0
Utility Relocation	$ 700,000
Construction	$ 2.0 million
Total Cost	$ 2.7 million

* Estimated costs, subject to change

Milestone	Date*
Environmental Document	Early 2023
Begin Construction	October 2027

*Future dates subject to change

Public Involvement

Previous Public Meeting Maps

Alternative 1 (July 2019) – Green T-intersection improvements at U.S. 17 and N.C. 172; safety improvements at U.S. 17 and Old Folkstone Road; new Connector Road extending north at the sharp curve along Old Folkstone Road and connecting with Chelsea Lane and N.C. 172

Alternative 2 (July 2019) – Green T-intersection improvements at U.S. 17 and N.C. 172; safety improvements at U.S. 17 and Old Folkstone Road; new Connector Road extending from Penny Lane at Old Folkstone Road north to N.C. 172

July 2019 Questions & Answers

Alternative 3 (December 2021) – Green T-intersection improvements at U.S. 17 and N.C. 172; safety improvements at U.S. 17 and Old Folkstone Road; new Connector Road extending north from east of the sharp curve along Old Folkstone Road and connecting with Tile Lane and N.C. 172

Would you like to be added to the project mailing list?

Do you have questions or comments on the new proposed improvements?

Closed for Comments

Do you have comments or questions on the overall project for the project team?

Closed for Comments

Comments/Questions

NCDOT accepts comments and questions on projects throughout the planning and development process.

Any additional comments or questions may be submitted via:

U.S. Mail to the Project Manager listed at the bottom of this page;

email to US17atNC172@PublicInput.com; or by phone at 984-205-6615 project code 4802

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

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

To be included in the current phase of project development, comments were submitted by March 17, 2023

Project Contact Information

Zach Howard, EI

NCDOT

Project Engineer

5501 Barbados Blvd

Castle Hayne, NC 28429

US17atNC172@publicinput.com

984-205-6611 project code: 4802

Charles R. Cox, PE

RS&H Engineers

Raleigh Office Leader/Project Manager

8521 Six Forks Road Suite 400

Raleigh, NC 27615

US17atNC172@publicinput.com

984-205-6611 project code: 4802

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 Brochure Single Page Layout Folleto del Proceso de Adquisición de Bienes Raíces
Right-of-Way Frequently Asked Questions

Right of way Acquisition Process Videos

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