NORTH WILKESBORO — Preliminary designs by the N.C. Department of Transportation for a proposed project initiated by Granite Falls and included in the long-range transportation plans for the town will be available at an upcoming public meeting.
N.C. Department of Transportation engineers are developing a design to improve U.S. 321 Alternative between Pinewood Road and Duke Street.
The proposal includes improving pedestrian facilities — such as the safety of school crossings — as well as improved traffic flow and better sight distances in downtown. Lanes would 11-feet wide with a center turn lane.
The proposal also involves realigning Dudley Avenue to improve sight distance and allow for reconstruction of downtown parking. An additional proposal is the construction of a connector road to link Dudley Avenue and Lakeside Avenue. There would also be improved intersections at Pinewood Road, Dry Ponds Road, Highland Avenue, Park Avenue and Lakeside Avenue.
A draft of those plans will be presented at a public meeting from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, at First Baptist Church, 12 Crestview Street in Granite Falls.
NCDOT representatives will be available to explain the design, answer question and listen to comments.
The public may also submit comments and questions at the meeting, via phone or email or mail until March 15. For further information or to submit comments, contact NCDOT Division 11 Design Engineer Desiree Hagwood at dlhagwood@ncdot.gov or 336-903-9135 or 801 Statesville Road, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.
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 Samantha Borges, Environmental Analysis Unit at smborges@ncdot.gov or 919-707-6115 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.