NEW BERN – The James City improvement project is taking shape, as new service roads are starting to open to the public.
Crews have been hard at work relocating utilities during stage one of construction. As of this month, 95% of the utility by others (power, gas, and fiber) have been relocated, and more than 60% of wet utilities (new water and sewer) have been completed.
Work in phase two has also been progressing – as improvements to existing and new service roads have been completed in several locations. Part of these improvements include new curbs and gutters to these streets. As seen in the first image, curbs and gutters manage rainwater and control drainage on roadways and sidewalks.
At Grantham Road, one new roundabout and service roads have opened, with a second roundabout nearing completion, marking the beginning of stage three. Service roads are being moved away from U.S. 70 to provide space for the future interchange ramps. In stage four, travelers will be temporarily shifted onto these ramps while crews construct the bridges that will go up and over each of the five interchanges.
It is important to note construction stages will progress through various sections of the project area at different times. Grantham Road currently is the furthest along in development, but the four other intersections (Williams Road, Airport Road, Taberna Way, and Thurman Road) will see patterns of progress over time. Construction is estimated to be complete by Summer of 2025.
Anyone interested about this project may sign up to receive updates and traffic alerts; individuals will need provide an email address or cell phone number for text alerts. To sign up for the alerts or view videos on what the final design will look like and how each stage of construction will be conducted, go to this project website.
The project team is available to answer any questions. Send an email to US70-JamesCity@publicinput.com or call 1-855-925-2801 and enter code 7872 when prompted. The public may also visit the new site office at 118B Market Street in New Bern to ask questions and receive information by making an appointment by email or phone. Follow social media for updates on Twitter or Facebook.