Pisgah National Forest entrance in Brevard to get major update with traffic circle
PISGAH FOREST – A major intersection leading to the entrance of Pisgah National Forest with popular destinations like Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls and the Cradle of Forestry, will soon look a whole lot different, thanks to a recent contract awarded to a contractor by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
According to a news release, the NCDOT recently awarded a $20.3 million contract to Mountain Creek Contractors of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, to build a two-lane roundabout at the intersection of U.S 64/N.C. 280 and U.S. 276/U.S. 64 in Transylvania County.
Clearing operations may begin as soon as later this week, the release said, and construction operations may begin as early as April 15. Utility line relocations are currently underway in the area. It's a project that's been in the works since 2018, and Brevard Mayor Maureen Copelof told the Times-News on Jan. 11 that everyone is happy to see it becoming a reality.
"I am excited that we are moving forward with this important transportation improvement. The city of Brevard has worked closely with the NCDOT for many years in planning for this roundabout," she said.
"City Council approved the plan back in 2018 after discussing it for several years at multiple community input sessions. Since the plan was approved we have seen traffic volume continue to increase at this critical intersection often resulting in delays."
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She said the new roundabout will improve traffic flow, improve safety and reduce congestion and idle times of vehicles, thus reducing air pollution.
"Having this improvement at the entrance to the city of Brevard and the entrance to Pisgah National Forest will enhance the ability of both residents and visitors to access our beautiful city, forest and surrounding areas," she said.
According to the NCDOT release, at least one lane of travel in all directions will remain open at all times. In addition, crews are restricted from closing or narrowing lanes from 7-8:30 a.m. and 2:30-4:30 p.m. when school is in session. They are also restricted from closures on major holidays.
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This roundabout is similar to a new roundabout south of this location on U.S. 64/U.S. 276 closer to Brevard, the release said. It is expected to increase safety and reduce congestion in the area. A five-year crash study by the NCDOT revealed a total of 95 crashes in the study area, with rear-end and angle crashes accounting for 66 percent of all crashes.
Included in the roundabout's center will be a grassy area with trees and a new sign, welcoming visitors to the city of Brevard.
Dean Hensley is the news editor for the Hendersonville Times-News. Email him with tips, questions and comments at DHensley@gannett.com. Please help support this kind of local journalism with a subscription to the Hendersonville Times-News.
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Pisgah National Forest entrance traffic circle to start construction
