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

The N.C. Department of Transportation proposes to improve the U.S. 17 at N.C. 172 and U.S. 17 at Old Folkstone Road intersections. The purpose of the project is to improve traffic flow along U.S. 17 and specifically address local safety concerns at both intersections with U.S. 17. Based on traffic analyses of future year (2040) conditions, the intersections of U.S. 17 at N.C. 172 and Old Folkstone Road would exceed capacity during peak hours and operate poorly in their current condition.

Vicinity Map

Project Overview Video

Project Overview

In order to address heavy directional traffic, proposed improvements include converting the U.S. 17 at N.C. 172 intersection to a Continuous Green T‑Intersection configuration and implement access control measures along U.S. 17. These access control measures include redirecting left turns at the U.S. 17 at Old Folkstone Road intersection.

A new connector roadway between Old Folkstone Road and N.C. 172 will provide additional connectivity and efficient routes for the changing travel patterns. The connector road will also enable the area to better accommodate future demand from commuter and beach traffic.

Proposed Improvements

At the Continuous Green T-intersection:

Southbound traffic on U.S. 17 has a continuously green signal eliminating stop-and-go delay for this movement. As a result, additional green time can be devoted to the other movements, including left turns from N.C. 172.

As U.S. 17 continues non-stop, all other movements will continue to use the traffic signal as normal and function the same as a typical T-intersection.

Left turns from the side street (N.C. 172) will turn into a channelized lane in order to merge with the main thru-movement.

Project Highlights

Two Alternatives are being evaluated for the project.

Alternatives 1 and 2 both include the continuous Green T-intersection improvements at U.S. 17/N.C. 172. All also include a connector roadway between Old Folkstone Road and N.C. 172.

They differ in the location of the tie-ins to both existing roadways. Alternatives 1 and 2 were shown to the public at the July 2019 Public Meeting.

U.S. 17 and N.C. 172 Green T-Intersection Rendering

Two Alternatives were previously evaluated for the project and presented at the July 2019 Public Meeting. Links to these maps are provided at the bottom of this page. Responses to common questions from the previous public meeting are available

The two alternatives presented include the continuous Green T-intersection improvements for U.S. 17 at N.C. 172, a new U-turn location for U.S. 17 southbound (½ mile south of Old Folkstone Road), and the new connector roadway between Old Folkstone Road and N.C. 172. Old Folkstone Road will become a right- in and right-out roadway at US 17; left turns would not be permitted.

The Alternatives differed in the location of the tie-ins for the Connector Road to both existing roadways. The Connector Road for these options intersects N.C. 172 within ½ mile of U.S. 17. Considering concerns over queueing along N.C. 172, safety, and right-of-way,

As a result of feedback received, a new alternative (Alternative 3) was developed.

The Project Team adjusted the 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 will be stop-controlled since current traffic volumes do not warrant the installation of signals.

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

Benefits of a Continuous Green T-Intersection

Reduced Delay at Intersection
- Free-flow thru-movement allows additional time to be allotted to minor movements and reduces overall delay.
Improved Safety: channelized left turns from side street reduce risk of angle crashes.
Reduced Travel Time:
- Reduced delay along the main arterial by eliminating stop and go conditions and delay associated with traffic signals.

Navigating a Continuous Green T-Intersection

Project Development

The development of alternatives and the required environmental studies are conducted in accordance with the N.C. State Environmental Policy Act (N.C. SEPA) and the public meeting is one step in the project planning process.

Public comments will be accepted through the end of December. 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	$ 1.0 million
Utility Relocation	$ 1.2 million
Construction	$ 8.7 million
Total Cost	$10.9 million

* Estimated costs, subject to change

Milestone	Date*
Environmental Document	2022
Right of Way Acquisition	2023
Begin Construction	2025

*Future dates subject to change

Public Involvement

Current Public Meeting Maps

Alternative 1 – 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 – 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
Alternative 3 (Preferred) – 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
Public Meeting Newsletter

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

Do you have questions or comments on the new Alternative 3 (Preferred Alternative)?

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 [email protected]; 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.

Project Contact Information

Krista Kimmel, PE

NCDOT

Project Engineer

5501 Barbados Blvd

Castle Hayne, NC 28429

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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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