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Construction on 23-74/107 connector could begin in 2015
By Stephanie Salmons
Even if a road connecting N.C. 107 and U.S. 23/74 is built, it could be at least six years before the N.C. Department of Transportation begins right of way acquisition for the project.
That was the news from the April 23 meeting of the Jackson County Transportation Task Force.
According to Project Manager Mark Reep, of Raleigh-based KO and Associates, an environmental and feasibility study for the proposed road, which has been known as the eastern portion of the Southern Loop, is just beginning and should be completed by 2009.
In the interim, it’s possible that some relief for the congested highway could come as the result of another feasibility study, according to Derrick Lewis of NCDOT’s feasibility study unit. He said a study is currently under way for N.C. 107 from its intersection with U.S. 23 business near Bogart’s through Cullowhee. That feasibility study can be used to evaluate other traffic control options, Lewis said.
“I think this is more in line to answer questions,” Lewis said of the study, which is slated for completion in late 2009. “We’re trying to find what it will take to meet traffic demands on N.C. 107.”
Officials are also in the process of collecting data that could show the importance of 107-23/74 connector project, Reep said, adding that once the purpose and need of the project is established, a detailed study of alternatives will commence.
Alternatives can include not taking any action, using existing transportation systems, researching public transportation options within the area to see if they could stand as an alternative, and road-building alternatives.
If it is decided to build the road, selection of a preferred alternative is scheduled to happen in the spring of 2013 following an Environmental Impact Statement, a draft of which is scheduled to be prepared for public review in 2012, and a public hearing, Reep said.
According to Reep, right of way acquisition, which can begin after the final EIS is submitted and a preferred alternative is selected, is slated to begin in 2014.
“During this process, there will be local government involvement,” Reep said, adding that the Rural Planning Organization, which serves smaller areas as a voice to the DOT, will serve in an advisory capacity and that DOT officials will seek community input throughout the process.
“NCDOT will seek input through the entire county and from municipalities and the transportation task force throughout the study,” Reep said.
Public-involvement opportunities may include briefings, meetings with community groups, citizens’ informational workshops, newsletters, e-mail and public hearings, he said.
Although a new road to help alleviate the traffic situation on N.C. 107 is years off, Division 14 engineer Joel Setzer told the task force that there are steps being taken that would affect traffic on the road.
These steps include taking a curve out of N.C. 116 making the road easier to travel and a new road that would connect Southwestern Community College with N.C. 107 south of its intersection with N.C. 116.
“That will take quite a bit of traffic congestion off of that intersection,” Setzer said, adding that improvements to Fairview Road and Jones Street have also helped improve access to Smoky Mountain High School and relieve traffic at the N.C. 107/N.C. 116 intersection.
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