Gordon Road widening: When will it start, and how can you give feedback on the project?
In order to ease traffic congestion and accommodate future growth, state transportation officials are looking to expand Gordon Road.
A proposal from the North Carolina Department of Transportation would widen the 2.5-mile-long stretch of Gordon Road between I-40 and Market Street, expanding it from two to four lanes.
The project would also install a raised median in the area. A raised median will improve safety and reduce the risk of serious crashes, according to a news release from the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
The road widening is planned to help accommodate higher traffic volumes and reduce congestion in the growing area, the release states. Data from the 2020 Census showed areas in the northern part of New Hanover County saw the highest percentages of growth over the past decade.
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A paved 10-foot-wide multi-use path is also planned for the northern side of the road, the release states.
The current proposal plans to use "reduced conflict intersections." That means all drivers approaching Gordon Road from a side street would be directed to turn right onto Gordon Road. If drivers wanted to head in the other direction, they would still have to turn right and then would make a U-turn in a dedicated turn lane, according to the release.
The project is expected to cost $49 million, which includes approximately $2.5 million toward project development and design, $14 million toward right-of-way acquisition, $4.5 million on utility relocation and $28 million going toward construction.
Funding for the project has been included in the department's 2020-2029 State Transportation Improvement Program.
The road widening could lead to the relocation of 14 homes and could impact 473 linear feet of streams, including five stream crossings. An analysis is still being completed to gauge the traffic noise the widening would bring to the area.
The department expects to begin purchasing land for the right-of-way in the summer of 2022, with construction starting in the summer of 2024, according to information on the department's website.
The department of transportation is looking for public feedback on the project. A virtual meeting for members of the public will be held on Dec. 7 from 6 to 7: p.m.
People can register online to attend the meeting. After registering, they will get email confirmation and a link with instructions on joining the Go To Webinar meeting. To call into the meeting, dial 415-930-5321 and enter the audio access code: 774-815-240.
Comments received by Jan. 3 on the project's preliminary design will be considered in the final design.
People can submit comments online or ask questions about the project on a webpage dedicated to the project. They can also submit comments or questions by emailing GordonRoad-Widening@publicinput.com or calling 984-205-6615 and entering access code 4244.
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 Lauren Putnam at lnputnam1@ncdot.gov or 919-707-6072 as early as possible, so that arrangements can be made.
People who do not speak English, or 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.
Reporter Emma Dill can be reached at 910-343-2096 or edill@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Gordon Road widening plans for Wilmington's future growth
