N.C. 43 Connector would foster greater economic development
NEW BERN— Alleviating future congestion is one of the benefits being touted for the proposed N.C. 43 Connector that would run between U.S. 17 Business (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard) and U.S. 70/U.S. 17 South in New Bern. The project would improve traffic flow and safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.
The city of New Bern submitted the N.C. 43 Connector Project to NCDOT to be considered for
further funding. Through the Strategic Mobility Formula that prioritizes projects based on safety, congestion, benefit-cost and local priorities, it scored well enough to be funded at the division level due to strong support from the city.
At this juncture in the life of the project, the design is far from complete. Area residents, business owners and visitors are invited to provide input to help shape the connector’s final design.
Transportation officials will present preliminary concepts on the connector project at a public meeting from 4 to 7 p.m., on Monday, May 21, at the River Bend Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, located at 5001 U.S. 17 South in New Bern. In advance of the meeting, area residents can also check additional information on the
project website, with maps also available on the NCDOT
public meetings site.
Interested residents may attend at any time during the meeting, as no formal presentation will be made. NCDOT representatives will be available to provide information and answer questions. The opportunity to provide written comments will also be provided.
If someone is unable to attend the meeting, they can still get project information or provide comments by contacting Hon Yeung, P.E., NCDOT Division Project Engineer at (252) 439-2827 or
hfyeung@ncdot.gov. All comments received by June 4 will be considered as the DOT refines the design proposal.
NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in this meeting. Anyone requiring special services should contact Caitlyn Ridge, P.E. Environmental Analysis Unit Public Involvement Officer at
ceridge1@ncdot.gov or (919) 707-6091 as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.
Persons who speak Spanish and have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English may receive interpretive services upon request prior to the meeting by calling 1-800-481-6494.