Officials to request additional study on N.C. 107

By Lisa Majors-Duff

Members of the Smart Roads Focus Group, a coalition of individuals concerned about traffic problems on one of Sylva's most traveled thoroughfares, appeared before county commissioners last Thursday (Nov. 7). Their spokesperson, Sylva attorney Jay Coward, updated board members about the group's recent discussions and its decision earlier this month to concentrate on access management options on N.C. 107.

Understanding that the DOT is currently studying the feasibility of a building a "southern loop" to connect U.S. 441 and U.S. 74, Coward said a study of ways to improve traffic flow and access to and from N.C. 107 itself is necessary.

"We feel we need to focus on 107 alone and not as part of a larger study," Coward said.

The Dillsboro-Sylva southern loop feasibility study began in the late 1990s and is scheduled to be available for public comment in February. One of the reasons for the southern loop study is to determine if a new road would alleviate congestion on N.C. 107, especially at peak driving times and locations.

An access management study on N.C. 107 alone could reveal that less costly alternatives exist for improving the road, Coward said.

"N.C. 107 is a classic example of a poorly managed road," he said. "The DOT says a great deal could be done to improve its access management, and most are cheaper than 10 miles of extra highway."

According to information from the DOT, "access management is an obvious strategy in the fight to preserve the travel speeds and minimize accidents on our roadway systems. The real beauty of access management is that it can provide many substantial benefits at relatively low cost."

When incorporated, access management techniques are shown to substantially reduce accidents, maintain efficient movement of people and goods, preserve the public investment in the existing infrastructure, reduce the need to build new roads, protect the value of private investments and enhance the environmental and economic vitality of the community, the DOT officials say.

Acting on Coward's recommendation, commissioners unanimously approved a resolution requesting DOT perform the N.C. 107 access management feasibility study. The resolution will be presented at the Thursday, Nov. 21, Transportation Improvement Program public meeting at the Regional High Tech Center in Waynesville's industrial park (near Lowe's). Public comments will be accepted beginning at 2 p.m.

Sylva Town Board members also endorsed the concept the same night during their regular meeting.

The TIP is the DOT's blueprint for statewide transportation projects, including highways, bicycle routes, public transportation, rail and aviation.

"We need to hear from citizens to help make the TIP an accurate and reliable plan," state Transportation Secretary Lyndo Tippett said. "We'll work with local governments and citizens to include projects that reduce congestion to enhance continued growth in urban areas and provide transportation infrastructure to boost rural economic development."

Back to Archive: 11/14/02.