Skinner's Bypass traffic under review

 The public will get a first look next week at proposals for a revamped intersection at N.C. 11 and U.S. 70 and other changes designed to make traffic flow along Skinner's Bypass safer and more efficient.

A public work session will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at The Gate, at 201 E. Gordon St.

Russell Rhodes, Lenoir County Transportation Committee chairman, said Monday that creating a safer Skinner's Bypass is a top priority for local officials. The committee began looking at possible changes to the intersection last year.

"There is a lot of growth taking place in the area of N.C. 11 and U.S. 70," he said. "The state is looking at making the intersection safer and more mobile."

The U.S. 70 Corridor Commission is supporting the N.C. Department of Transportation's feasibility study, which is examining traffic patterns at Skinner's Bypass.

The public work session will focus on the intersection's traffic, crash and environmental data as well as conceptual design alternatives. Rhodes said the session will also allow residents and businesses to discuss what could be done to improve the intersection's safety.

Kinston City Manager Scott Stevens said Skinner's Bypass is "one of the most dangerous intersections in the county."

"They are still conducting a feasibility study now," he said. "There is a need to make some improvements at the intersection."

Both N.C. 11 and U.S. 70 are maintained by the DOT. Stevens said if planners develop a new design for the intersection, improvements could be completed in three to five years.

Several design alternatives will be developed by Kimley-Horn and Associates, which is an engineering and design firm.

Next week's public session will be a preliminary meeting to discuss the firm's proposed plans. Rhodes said one alternative could be to build a bridge at the intersection with either U.S. 70 going over N.C. 11 or vice versa.

"We are excited that the study is going forward," Rhodes said. "I am encouraged by the progress."