PRINCETON – The N.C. Department of Transportation is inviting people to attend a meeting this month to review a revised proposal for improving a nearly 7-mile segment of U.S. 70 that straddles the Johnston-Wayne county line.
Last fall, the department announced preferred alternative designs for the proposal to upgrade the highway to meet interstate standards between the U.S. 70 Goldsboro Bypass in Wayne County and Pondfield Road in eastern Johnston County. The revised plan was based on comments the department received during the 2017 public comment period.
The department has scheduled another public meeting from 4 to 7 on Tuesday, May 21, at Grace Baptist Church, 220 Barden St. in Princeton, to allow people to comment on the proposed design and preferred alternatives, which include:
- A “compressed diamond” interchange east of Princeton at North Pearl Street/Edwards Road. The preferred design requires less additional right of way and fewer roadway extensions and access roads;
- An interchange with U.S. 70 Alternate west of Princeton. This option provides better connectivity into Princeton with the extension of New Ballpark Road and the construction of a service road that will connect to Dr. Donnie H. Jones Jr. Boulevard. Based on written comments received from the December 2017 meeting, this design option was favored over the alternative of building the interchange at Dr. Donnie H. Jones Jr. Boulevard;
- A U.S. 70 bridge that spans over North Pine Street/Rains Mill Road. With this alternative, North Pine Street/Rains Mill Road will remain near their existing elevations, which will result in the fewest impacts to homes and the side street connections.
The department has a long-range plan to convert U.S. 70 into the future Interstate 42 between Raleigh and Morehead City.
To learn more information or submit comments about the May 21 meeting, contact NCDOT Project Manager Matt Clarke at 252-640-6419 or wmclarke@ncdot.gov; or Debbie Barbour, the consultant project manager at 919-882-7839 or debbie.barbour@kisingercampo.com.
Comments received by June 5 will be considered as the final design is developed.
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 at 919-707-6073 or by pdwilson1@ncdot.gov as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.
People 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.