SYLVA — The bridge over Interstate 26 is 52-years-old and the
roundabouts sandwiching the bridge are out-of-date too.
Improvements are needed on West Mills Street between St. Luke’s
Parkway and Walker Street in Columbus in order to bring the existing structures
up to date, improve crash rates on this stretch of N.C. 108 and improve
pedestrian and bicycle facilities too.
The N.C. Department of Transportation, with support from Polk
County and the Town of Columbus, will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, May 22,
to present initial design plans of proposed upgrades.
The proposed improvements include replacing the bridge, widening
N.C. 108 to three lanes including curb and gutter, and widening the roundabouts
to two lanes. The plan would also add sidewalks to both sides and expand the
outside lanes to 14 feet to accommodate bicycles.
“This is the second phase of a plan to upgrade the area including
I-26, U.S. 74 and N.C. 108,” Division 14 Engineer Brian Burch said. “It’s nice
to see the first phase going so well and along our plans to finish this
fall.
“Here, the bridge has to be replaced and the hybrid roundabouts tie
directly to the bridge. Widening will help traffic operations now and into the
future, while the bicycle and pedestrian facilities will help those who walk and
bike.”
The public drop-in meeting will be held from 4-7 p.m. at the
Isothermal Community College Polk Center Auditorium at 1255 West Mills Street in
Columbus.
Transportation officials will be available to answer any questions
and listen to comments regarding the project. Comments will also be accepted via
phone, email or mail until June 22. All comments will be considered as the
project develops.
Submit comments to Dave Wilver at I4729B@threeoaksengineering.com or (919) 326-6359. Contact Kenneth
(Mac) McDowell, Division 14 Project Engineer at 253 Webster Road, Sylva, NC
28779 or kjmcdowell@ncdot.gov for more information.
NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans
with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate. Anyone
requiring special services should contact Caitlyn Ridge, P.E. at ceridge1@ncdot.gov or (919)
707-6091 as early as possible to make arrangements.