Initial Project Study
Improving the existing roadway by widening N.C. 211 to four lanes with a median was selected for detailed study. The project was divided into three sections and both north side widening, and south side widening was studied for each section. Each alternative was shown to the public at the hearing held on June 28, 2011.
- Section 1 – West of Midway Road to east of Midway Road
- Section 2 – East of Midway Road to Dutchman Village Entrance
- Section 3 – Dutchman Village Entrance to just east of N.C. 87
In addition, street level intersections and interchanges were studied at both the Midway Road intersection and the N.C. 133 (Long Beach Road) intersection.
North-side widening was selected for all three sections of the project. The preferred design includes an overpass at the existing intersections of N.C. 211 and N.C. 906 (Midway Road/Middleton Boulevard) near Oak Island and St. James, and at N.C. 211 and N.C. 133 (Long Beach Road) near Southport.
Environmental Studies
The Environmental Assessment - a document that evaluates the environmental effects of a project - was approved in February 2011. The Finding of No Significant Impact document – which determined the project will not have a significant impact on the environment – was signed on April 26, 2012.
The Federal Highway Administration and the N.C. Department of Transportation signed the Reevaluation of Finding of No Significant Impact for Right of Way Authorization in 2015, which is also part of the Environmental Assessment.
Project Development
NCDOT initiated project development, environmental, and engineering studies in 2007. Throughout the project development process, a team of representatives from NCDOT and other state and federal agencies followed the National Environmental Policy Act 404 Merger Process – a method used to reach an agreement at critical milestones related to project development and permitting.
Public Involvement
Several public meetings and workshops have been held to gather feedback from the community and relay project information. The project team reviewed all feedback and explored options to incorporate and address concerns where and when feasible.
- Citizens Informational Workshop held on Feb. 26, 2008
- Combined (Corridor and Design) Public Hearing held on June 28, 2011
- Local Officials and Public Meeting held on Oct. 5, 2017