Interactive Project Study Area Map

This map is for reference only and is a representation of the general project area. 

Project Overview

N.C. 43 (Dortches Boulevard) is currently a two-lane, undivided roadway connecting the communities of Rocky Mount and Red Oak, while serving as the primary corridor through the Town of Dortches. Areas in the project vicinity are some of the fastest growing in Nash County, with several new industries moving to the area and plans to expand others. Local planners have identified existing N.C. 43 as having existing transportation issues, including the need for operational and safety improvements. The proposed project is approximately 1.6 miles in length.

To address these issues and modernize the corridor for future growth, Project U-2561C proposes to:

  • Construct a new center two-way left-turn lane along N.C. 43 between the intersection of Woodruff Road and the I-95 interchange

  • Remove the existing Town Hall Road/N.C. 43 intersection by relocating Town Hall Road to tie into N. Halifax Road just south of N.C. 43

  • Provide separate left-turn lanes along both directions of N. Halifax Road at the N.C. 43 intersection

  • A 15-foot-wide berm is proposed along one side of the expanded N.C. 43 corridor to accommodate a proposed future 10-foot-wide multi-use path, pending local agreement for maintenance of this facility

  • Construct curb and gutter along both sides of the improved N.C. 43 corridor

The proposed roadway typical section was selected to provide substantive operational improvements along the N.C. 43 corridor while minimizing the footprint in comparison to other potential alternatives. Widening to a four-lane, median-divided facility, for example, would likely result in numerous relocations of residences and businesses along the corridor and significantly increase the overall project cost.

The proposed improvements will provide roadway drainage using curb and gutter to collect stormwater. A roadway without curb and gutter using ditches would increase the roadway footprint and increase impacts to adjacent properties. Similarly, accommodating bicycles and pedestrians with a potential future multi-use path along one side of the roadway would reduce the proposed footprint compared to on-road bicycle lanes and sidewalk. 

The need for this project was first identified in the Nash County Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) in 2016.  The CTP noted existing operational concerns along this corridor and recommended widening the roadway in this corridor.  The CTP also recommended modernization of the roadway by adding sidewalks and bicycle lanes for safety and to accommodate future growth.  

Project Map

To view or download project map click here or on the map below

 

 

Project Typical Sections

Clicking on the pictures below will open them in larger format for easier viewing

 

N.C. 43 (Dortches Boulevard)                                                                                                    N. Halifax Road

 

 

Project Funding:

Project U-2561C is listed in the N.C. Department of Transportation’s State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and is funded for $13.7 million.

The cost estimates shown in the table below are based on

conceptual designs for the proposed project. 

 Activity

 Costs*

  Right-of-Way Acquisition

$   4.4 Million ** 

 Utility Relocation

$   3.1 Million ^^

  Construction 

$ 13.6 Million ^^

  Total Cost

$ 21.1 Million   

   *Cost estimates are shown in millions and subject to change. 

** Estimate based on April 2021 conceptual design updated to 2024 unit land costs

^^ Estimate based on October 2024 conceptual design

Project Timeline:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Milestone

    Date*

Environmental Document

Spring 2025

Utility Relocation and Right-of-Way      Acquisition Begins

2026

Construction Begins

 2028

    * Future dates are subject to change. 

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 April 4, 2025.


The public is encouraged to leave comments using this webpage, email, or phone number:

Email: NC43-Dortches-Blvd@publicinput.com

Phone Number: 984-205-6615  enter project code 11006 to leave a message

Question title

Please provide any comments or questions you may have regarding the proposed project.

Question title

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

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION 

Donald W "Chad" Edge III, PE

Project Manager

NCDOT Highway Division 4

P.O. Box 3165

Wilson, NC  27895

 

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION 

Brian Yamamoto, PE

Consultant Project Manager

NV5

P.O. Box 33127

Raleigh, NC  27636

 

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

English                                                                     Spanish

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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