Project Description and Highlights

The N.C. Department of Transportation is proposing to widen U.S. 601 from I-74 to Cody Trail (S.R. 1104) in Surry County to a four-lane, median divided highway, a distance of approximately 7.2 miles. U.S. 601 is currently a two-lane, undivided roadway to the south of I-74.

The purpose of the proposed project is to improve the traffic carrying capacity of the U.S. 601 corridor in the project area. Additionally, the proposed project is intended to improve the transportation network in the study area to benefit regional mobility and connectivity.

The proposed roadway typical section includes four 12-foot-wide travel lanes, a 23-foot-wide raised median with mountable curb and gutter, and eight-foot-wide outside shoulders (four-foot paved) on both sides of the roadway. The proposed design is expected to include retaining walls, where feasible, to reduce property and stream impacts due to the roadway widening. To improve traffic operations and safety, Reduced Conflict Intersection design components (also known as a synchronized street) are proposed throughout the project corridor.

What Is a Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI)? 

A reduced conflict intersection ​is a general term used to describe several types of designs that can be used to improve safety and traffic flow on a highway. There are variations to the designs, but they all function the same by reducing almost half the number of potential locations, o​​r conflict points, where drivers can collide. Raised medians direct traffic from the side road into turning right. When there is a safe opening in traffic, drivers 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 les​s than 1,000 feet away – ​and make a U-turn.

Watch a video about how Reduced Conflict Intersections (RCI's) work

Interactive Project Study Area

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

Project History

Initial field surveys to identify environmental resources were conducted within the project area in 2018 and 2019, with updated surveys conducted in 2021 and 2022. Following the development of preliminary roadway design plans, NCDOT conducted a Public Meeting for the proposed project on November 1, 2018. A Local Officials Informational Meeting was conducted prior to the public meeting. Attendees at both meetings were given an opportunity to review project maps and displays, ask questions, provide comments, and discuss the project with project representatives.

Following the Public Meeting, the project team reviewed several alternative alignments and roadway configurations to reduce impacts to streams and other natural resources, as well as to reduce overall projects costs. Based on those studies, NCDOT recommends the proposed alignment which maximizes use of existing right-of-way currently owned by the State of North Carolina. The recommended typical section consists of a reduced 23-foot median which helps to minimize impacts on private property and natural resources. 

​Project Map 1

U.S. 601 from south of Cody Trail to north of Rockford Road

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

​Project Map 2

U.S. 601 from south of E. Atkins Street to northeast of Fairway Drive

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

​Project Map 3

U.S. 601 from southwest of Old Hwy 601 to northeast of Lambert Farm Trail

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

Project Map 4

U.S. 601 from southwest of Smith Road to northeast of Cadle Ford Road

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

Project Map 5

U.S. 601 from southwest of Sunrise Avenue to northeast of I-74

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

Typical Section

U.S. 601

Project Funding

* Costs are preliminary and subject to change

Costs shown are rounded

Project Timeline

* Dates are preliminary and 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.

Comments for consideration during the current phase of project development

were to be submitted by January 2, 2026.

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

or mailed to the project contacts at the addresses listed below.

Email: us601-i74-codytrail@publicinput.com  

Phone Number: 984-205-6615 and enter project code 11895 to leave a message.

Project Contact Information

 Heath Slaughter

NCDOT Highway Division 11

Project Manager

801 Statesville Road

North Wilkesboro, NC 28659

Project Contact Information

 Abby Vogt

NV5

Consultant Project Manager

P.O. Box 33127

Raleigh, NC 27636

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-Form

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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Page last updated: January 5, 2026