Raleigh — A project proposal to replace
the N.C. 50 bridge over U.S. 70 in Garner and make interchange improvements at
that location will be the subject of a N.C. Department of Transportation public
meeting this week.
The plans call for replacing the 56-year-old bridge with one that
would be built alongside the existing structure. The slight change in location
will allow the current bridge to remain open during the project, eliminating the
need for a detour route at that busy location, and it will also improve roadway
alignment.
The plan for the interchange is not as definite, as the NCDOT is
considering two options. One would have traditional traffic lights at each end
of the bridge to handle ramp traffic for vehicles getting on and off U.S. 70.
The other proposal would use roundabouts on each side of the bridge, eliminating
the need for traffic to stop along N.C. 50.
Construction of the project is projected to start in the summer of
2019.
Area residents can view plans, ask NCDOT representatives questions,
and provide written comments on the project at the public meeting on Thursday,
Feb. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Garner Town Hall, 900 7th Avenue. Since there is no
formal presentation planned, the public can attend at any time during the
meeting.
Maps of the project and other information are also available online
at the NCDOT public meeting website.
Residents unable to attend the meeting may submit comments through
March 1 by contacting NCDOT Assistant Project Manager Elmo Vance at eevance@ncdot.gov, (919) 707-6048
or1582 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC27699-1582.
NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans
with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in this
workshop. Anyone requiring special services should contact Tony Gallagher, NCDOT
Environmental Analysis Unit, magallagher@ncdot.gov, (919) 707-6069 or 1598 Mail Service Center,
Raleigh, NC 27699-1598 as early as possible so that 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 1-800-233-6315.
Contact: Steve Abbott, (919) 707-2600, swabbott@ncdot.gov