WEST JEFFERSON — A proposed project to increase the safety of
drivers along South Jefferson Avenue in Ashe County is in its infancy.
The project rose through the State Transportation Improvement
Program to the funding stage based on a need for intersection improvements on
U.S. 221 Business between N.C. 194 and Beaver Creek School Road. The initial
idea was to restrict all movements to right turns in and out of businesses and
restaurants in order to accommodate traffic concerns and address safety
issues.
The N.C. Department of Transportation will introduce the project
and be soliciting ideas during a public meeting from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, July
26, at the West Jefferson Town Hall. Citizens may drop in at any time. No
presentations will be made regarding the project, which is slated to start right
of way acquisition in 2023.
“We want to know what people think would work best in this area,”
Division 11 Project Manager Ramie Shaw said. “We want people to have as much
input as possible as early as possible.”
Comments may be submitted at the meeting, or via phone, email or
mail through Aug. 10. Contact Shaw at rashaw@ncdot.gov, 336-903-9134 or 801 Statesville Road, North
Wilkesboro, NC 28659. Project information and materials can be viewed as they
become available online at www.NCDOT.gov/Projects/PublicMeetings.
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 Caitlyn Ridge at ceridge1@ncdot.gov or
919-707-6091 as early as possible so arrangements can be made.
Persons who speak Spanish and 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.