SYLVA — The N.C. Department of Transportation recently informed local officials in four far western counties construction projects in those areas have been placed on the 2020 Build N.C. bond issuance list.
The announcement allowed for preliminary engineering and right of way negotiations to resume after being suspended due to statewide cost constraints several weeks ago. Those delays will not impact the project schedules.
In Cherokee County:
• Widen U.S. 19/129 between U.S. 64 and the Georgia State line with right of way negotiations in fiscal year 2020 and construction in fiscal year 2023.
In Henderson County
• Widen N.C. 191 between Mountain Road and N.C. 280 south of Mills River with right of way negotiations in fiscal year 2020 and construction in fiscal year 2023.
• Realign and extend White Street between Willow Road and U.S. 176 with right of way negotiations in fiscal year 2020 and construction in fiscal year 2023.
• Upgrade Highland Lake Road between N.C. 225 and U.S. 176 with right of way negotiations in fiscal year 2020 and construction in fiscal year 2021.
In Jackson County
• Improve N.C. 107 between N.C. 116 and U.S. 23 Business with right of way negotiations in fiscal year 2020 and construction in fiscal year 2023.
In Transylvania County
• Install roundabouts at U.S. 64/U.S. 276/N.C. 280 in Pisgah Forest with right of way negotiations in fiscal year 2020 and construction in fiscal year 2022.
• Build access control measures on U.S. 64/U.S. 276 between Fortune Cove Road and U.S. 64 Business with right of way negotiations in fiscal year 2020 and construction in fiscal year 2022.
• Improve Wilson Road between Old U.S. 64 and U.S. 276 with right of way negotiations in fiscal year 2021 and construction in fiscal year 2023.
Issuing the bonds will allow the projects to be delivered and paid for from funds outside of the traditional State Transportation Improvement Program.
Build N.C. is a financing tool that helps ensure NCDOT can continue strong delivery of critical road projects at the regional and division levels that do not qualify for a similar federal funding tool.
“Each of these projects will provide a safer and quicker transportation route for thousands of people who live, work, and travel through our areas,” Division 14 Engineer Brian Burch said. “These are an excellent uses of Build N.C. funds, and the results will benefit people on a daily basis.”