RUTHERFORDTON - The N.C. Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting to answer questions and accept comments on a proposal to improve a 2.5-mile stretch of U.S. 221 Alternate.
The project includes improving several intersections and overhauling the road to better accommodate all users of it, including pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders.
The meeting will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29 at Spindale House, 119 Tanner St. in Spindale.
People may drop in at any time to review preliminary design maps, ask questions of engineers and submit comments. There will not be a formal presentation at the meeting.
This public comment period will conclude on Nov. 12. Comments may be submitted through the public website or via email to us221a-Rutherfordton@publicinput.com.
The preliminary design was developed with input from the towns of Rutherfordton and Spindale, as well as from the Rutherford County transit system. Highlights include the following:
- Reconfiguring the existing 5-lane stretch to a 3-lane stretch from North Main Street to Executive Drive
- Maintain access to existing driveways
- Improve existing two-lane section by adding a median from Maryland Street to Oakland Street
- Dedicated transit stops
- Four EV charging stations
Construction, currently scheduled to start in the fall of 2026, would be phased to minimize disruption, include no offsite detours and provide continuous access to businesses and properties.
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 Mark Davis at mldavis@ncdot.gov or 919-707-6059 to make arrangements.
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.