SYLVA – A new approach to an old project has resulted in an invigorated process for completing Corridor K between Andrews and Stecoah.
The N.C. Department of Transportation and agency partners, including local officials from Cherokee and Graham Counties, the Appalachian Regional Council, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Federal Highway Administration, have been collaborating on project elements that should be studied during the formal environmental review process.
NCDOT will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 12, in Robbinsville and another on Feb. 14 in Andrews in order to describe recent progress and receive feedback on proposed corridor paths.
“We have stepped back to eliminate old biases and come together as a group of stakeholders with an open mind resulting in new alternatives,” NCDOT Project Development Engineer Wanda Austin said. “This approach is different from any other project and requires the fresh perspective that we all have taken together.”
The proposed Corridor K project will provide the transportation infrastructure necessary for the well-being of local residents and regional traffic by improving travel time, reliability and safety between the existing four-lane section on N.C. 28 at Stecoah and the existing four-lane section of U.S. 74 east of Andrews . It is critical that this project remains consistent with the Appalachian Development Highway system criteria in a matter that is sensitive to the natural environment.
Additional information about the project, including maps of the corridors, history of the project and the draft design study report are available on the
project website.
The meeting in Robbinsville will be from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the Graham County Community Building, 196 Knight Street. The meeting in Andrews will be from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14, at the Andrews Community Center, 535 Main Street.
A video presentation will play on a loop, maps of the various paths will be displayed, and project team members will be available to describe recent advancements and answer questions. The public will also have the opportunity to submit comments at each meeting or send comments and questions after the drop-in sessions.
Questions and comments may be submitted through the project website or at PublicInvolvement2@ncdot.gov. Contact Consultant Program Manager Amy Sackaroff at 919-851-6866 or amy.sackaroff@stantec.com; or Consultant Project Manager Stacy Oberhausen at 919-773-8887 or soberhausen@tgsengineers.com for additional information.
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 Diane Wilson via email at pdwilson1@ncdot.gov or by phone at 919-707-6073 as early as possible, so that arrangements can be made.
Persons who do not speak English, or 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.