U-6024/R-3608 US 401-NC 39 - Louisburg
U-6024/R-3608 US 401-NC 39 - Louisburg
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is proposing two adjacent roadway improvement projects, U-6024 and R-3608.
U-6024 would convert U.S. 401/ N.C. 39 from Burke Boulevard to N.C. 56/ N.C. 581 (Nash Street) from a five-lane to a four-lane median divided roadway.
R-3608 would widen U.S. 401/ N.C. 39 from N.C. 56/ N.C. 581 (Nash Street) to Main Street (S.R. 1229) to a four-lane median divided section.
Three design concepts are currently being evaluated to address traffic operations and safety in the study area.
All three alternatives propose improving the entire corridor to a median divided facility.
- Alternative 1 proposes traditional widening and conventional intersection improvements with a single U-turn on the corridor.
- Alternative 2 proposes use of Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI) principles to improve efficiency along the corridor by routing some left turning movements through U-turns.
- Alternative 3 proposes roundabouts at three major intersections along the corridor.
An alternative will be selected for improvements on the project corridor after consideration of input from internal NCDOT, the public, local officials and project stakeholders.
Vicinity Map:
Purpose and Need
The primary purposes of the projects are to address congestion, delays and safety concerns on U.S. 401/ N.C. 39.
Bicycle and pedestrian facility improvements along the corridor are also proposed in Franklin County.
Responses to questions and comments received at the public meeting are available here
Proposed Typical Sections
The proposed typical section within the limits of STIP Project Nos. U-6024/R-3608 is a four-lane median divided roadway. The proposed typical cross section includes:
Both Alternatives: Four travel lanes (two in each direction) 23-foot raised median Median width varies depending on the presence of left-turn lanes Curb and gutter along inside and outside travel lanes Five-foot sidewalks
| Bicycle provisions (see graphics below) Where five-foot bicycle lanes are proposed, the typical cross section includes four 12-foot travel lanes Where bicycle lanes are not proposed, the typical cross section includes two 12-foot inside lanes and two 14-foot outside travel lanes
|
Typical Section with Five-Foot Bike Lanes
Typical Section without Bike Lanes
What is a Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI)?
As urban areas grow and traffic congestion increases, the N.C. Department of Transportation continues to look for creative solutions for improving mobility and safety. Corridors with growing traffic volumes and high-crash rates are good candidates for a Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI).
A Reduced Conflict Intersection is a general term used to describe several types of designs that may be used to improve safety and traffic flow on a highway. While there are variations to the designs, they all function the same at reducing conflicts for drivers and pedestrians - hence the term Reduced Conflict Intersection.
With the most common type of RCI design, drivers on the main road follow their usual paths, but raised medians redirect drivers from the side road into turning right. When there is a safe opening in traffic, drivers turn right to easily enter the flow of traffic on the main route. To go the other direction, or cross the highway, they pull into a dedicated lane, typically less than 1,000 feet away, to make a U-turn. There may be a traffic signal at this location.
46% Reduction in crashes at unsignalized RCI intersections, compared to conventional intersections
(N.C. State final report to NCDOT in 2010)
15% Reduction in crashes at signalized RCI intersections, compared to conventional intersections
(Federal Highway Administration report, Nov. 2017)
For more information about RCIs and how they function, please visit the following weblink:
Roundabout Intersection
A roundabout is easy to drive through once you understand how it works. As you approach it, you’ll see a yellow “roundabout ahead” sign, indicating you should slow down.
Remember to give larger trucks and buses extra room, as they might need to straddle the lane.
Big trucks should use the concrete island – called the truck apron – to help drivers maneuver around the roundabout.
Never enter a roundabout while an emergency vehicle using flashing lights and sirens is passing through. If drivers are already in the roundabout, exit first, then pull over to let the emergency vehicle pass.
Bicyclists should pick the appropriate lane before entering a multi-lane roundabout and stay in the middle of their chosen lane. Do not ride along the shoulder of the roundabout.
Drivers should not pass a bicyclist while inside the roundabout.
Pedestrians should use marked crosswalks along the outside of the roundabout, and not walk through the middle of it.
For more information about Roundabouts please visit the follwoing weblink:
Public Involvement
Public Meetings
A public meeting was held on Nov. 7, 2019 in Louisburg, NC to obtain stakeholder and public input regarding the project's design.
Date: | November 7, 2019 |
Location: | Louisburg College Jordan Student Center 501 N Main Street Louisburg, NC 27549 |
Time: | 4-7 p.m. |
Public Meeting Documents/Maps
U-6024 / R-3608 Public meeting handout
Alternative Map 1: Conventional - Burke Boulevard to North of Noble Street
Alternate Map 2: Conventional - North of Noble Street to Main Street
Alternate Map 1: Reduced Conflict Intersection - Burke Boulevard to North of Noble Street
Alternate Map 2: Reduced Conflict Intersection - North of Noble Street to Main Street
Alternate Map 1: Roundabout - Burke Boulevard to North of Noble Street
Alternate Map 2: Roundabout - North of Noble Street to Main Street
Responses to comments and questions received at the public meeting
Project Funding
This project is listed as Project U-6024 and R-3608 in the N.C. Department of Transportation’s State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and is funded for $34.4 million.
| Estimated Amount* |
| Property Acquisition | $ 3,700,000 |
| Utiliy Costs | $ 3,400,000 |
| Construction Costs | $ 28,100,000 |
| Total Cost | $ 35,200,000 |
* Estimated costs are subject to change. Based on NCDOT STIP.
Project Timeline
Milestone | Date* |
PE Funding Approved | Spring 2017 |
Notice to Proceed issued to consultant | Spring 2018 |
Project Scoping Meeting | Summer 2018 |
Public Meeting | Fall 2019 |
Environmental Document | TBD |
Right of Way Acquisition | April 2024 |
Construction Begins | Summer 2030 |
* Future dates are preliminary and subject to change
PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION
Zahid Baloch, PE
NCDOT Project Engineer
NCDOT Division Highway 5
1573 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1573
919-707-6012
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