Raleigh – The N.C. Department of Transportation wants to know what citizens think are top-priority transportation projects for northeastern North Carolina. NCDOT’s Division One, which includes Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Martin, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell and Washington counties, will hold an open-house style meeting this week to hear from residents about their ideas and gather feedback on proposed projects for the region.
A 30-day public comment period will end Nov. 2 to determine which transportation projects should be submitted to compete with other improvements for funding in the next State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which is NCDOT’s 10-year transportation plan, which is updated every two years.
The list of proposed new projects for Division One can be viewed here. Residents can also submit proposals for projects, which can be as large-scale as an interstate improvement or as small as a new turn lane or intersection improvement. Proposals can be for any mode of transportation including public transit, bicycle/pedestrian, ferry, aviation and rail.
“The ability to get to work, school, medical appointments and recreation centers is all dependent on our transportation network,” said Division One Engineer Jerry Jennings. “As we develop transportation projects for this region, it is vital that we get feedback and ideas from the public to make sure that we are doing what is best for the future of northeastern North Carolina.”
Each of NCDOT’s 14 transportation divisions will hold its own open house to gather input from residents before submitting its transportation priorities for funding. Maintenance projects such as patching potholes and resurfacing undergo a separate scoring and priority ranking process. They are not a subject of these meetings.
Can’t Make it to the Meeting? Here’s How to Provide Your Input
Written comments related to Division One projects can be submitted during the public comment period to NCDOT Division One Planning Engineer Gretchen Byrum via email at gabyrum@ncdot.gov; by mail at 113 Airport Drive, Suite 100, Edenton, N.C. 27932; or by phone at (252) 482-1879. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on Nov. 2.
Local Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Rural Planning Organizations across the state also submit a list of projects to be scored. For information about the projects they plan to submit, please contact them directly.
NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who want to participate in this meeting. Anyone requiring special services should contact Jamille Robbins at jarobbins@ncdot.gov or call 919-707-6085 as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.
