U-5860:15th Street Widening - Washington
U-5860:15th Street Widening - Washington
The N.C. Department of Transportation proposes improvements to 15th Street from U.S. 17 Business to U.S. 264 in Washington, Beaufort County
This page is intended to provide information and gather comments for this project. For additional information please visit the NCDOT webpage:
https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/15th-street/Pages/default.aspx
Interactive Study Area Map:
__________________________________________________
Open House Public Meeting
(No Formal Presentation will be made)
Thursday, February 6, 2025
6-8 PM
Washington 15th Street Church of God
336 E. 15th Street
Washington, N.C.
________________________________________________
Project Overview
The N.C. Department of Transportation proposes to improve 15th Street betweem U.S. 17 Business (Carolina Avenue) and U.S. 264 (Pactolus Highway) in Washington. The project is needed to reduce congestion during peak service hours along 15th Street from U.S. 17 Business to U.S. 264. The project will enhance 15th Street, reduce congestion, improve safety, and provide a complete street for all users.
The proposed typical section along the corridor includes:
four 11-foot wide travel lanes
a 17.5 foot wide concrete median .
curb and gutter
a 5-foot sidewalk on the north side of 15th Street
a 10-foot multi-use path on the south side of 15th Street
on 12th Street between 15th Street's end at E. Brown Street, and the end of the project, at U.S. 264 this amenity is not included
Traffic will be maintained througout construction using the phased construction approach. This approach will minimize disruptions and ensure continuous access for residents and businesses.
Project History
2015: Planning and design for the U-5860 project began and progressed to preliminary plans in 2016.
A Public Meeting was held on August 11, 2016, providing the community with information, and inviting public input. During a 30-day comment period ending on August 24, 2016, feedback, primarily focused on considerations related to the median, access, drainage, right-of-way, and safety for both vehicles and bicyclists/pedestrians was received.
In December 2016, the Washington City Council unanimously voted not to proceed with the initial design proposal shared by NCDOT, pausing the project to address local concerns and ensure stronger community alignment.
2023: Since the project restart in 2023, NCDOT has been collaborating closely with the City of Washington to address project needs and incorporate design refinements that address previous feedback received.
2025: The upcoming February 2025 public meeting will present updated project information, revised designs, and gather additional input from the community. The project design has been updated since 2016 to address community feedback, with several improvements included.
Lane widths have been adjusted to 11 feet to minimize the roadway footprint and reduce impacts
Some sections of the previously proposed concrete median have been removed and left turns and U-turns will be incorporated based on traffic needs.
A multi-use path, sidewalks, and crosswalks are being added to enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety. The locations for crosswalks, ADA-compliant median cut-throughs, and pedestrian signals will be determined as the design progresses and incorporates ongoing public input.
Every effort will be made to address all feedback received on the U-5860 project. The project is intended to enhance safety and improve traffic flow, and the proposed median plays an important role in meeting these goals.
Project Maps
Map 1
Beginning of project at U.S. 17 to Washington Street
Map 2
North Pierce Street to Nicholson Street
Map 3
E. 14th Street/Holloman Street to End of Project at U.S. 264/Pactous Hwy/John Small Avenue
Typical Sections
Typical Section on 15th Street
Between Start of Project at U.S. 17 and E. Brown Street
Typical Section on 15th Street
Between E. Brown Street and End of Project at U.S. 264
Project Funding:
Activity | Estimated Costs* |
Right of Way Acquisition | $ 8.9 Million |
Utility Relocation | $ 7.5 Million |
Construction | $ 2.2 Million |
Total Cost | $ 38.6 Million |
*Costs shown are estimates and are subject to change.
Based on currently adopted NCDOT State Transportation Improvement Program.
Project Timeline:
Activity | Anticipated Date* |
Environmental Document | March 2025 |
Right of Way Acquisition Begins | August 2025 |
Construction Begins | June 2028 |
*Future dates subject to change
Project Comments
NCDOT accepts comments throughout all phases of project development.
All comments will be taken into consideration, and carry equal weight, regardless of submittal method.
To submit comments for consideration during the current phase of project development,
please submit before February 15, 2025
The public is encouraged to leave comments using this webpage, email, or phone number:
Email: 15th-street-improvements@publicinput.com
Phone Number: 984-205-6615 enter project code 10749 to leave a message
PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION
Allison McAuliffe P.E.
Project Manager
NCDOT Highway Division 2
1037 W.H. Smith Blvd
Greenville, NC 27834
PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION
James Byrd P.E.
Consultant Project Manager
HNTB
4000 Center at North Hills Street, Suite 500
Raleigh, NC 27609
Title VI Feedback
To ensure we’re hearing from a broad set of voices, would you be willing to share (completely anonymously) some information about yourself?
If so, please click here https://publicinput.com/NCDOT-Title-VI
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