Two decades after it first appeared as a feasibility study entry on the state's major road construction plans, the end is in sight for the N.C. 55 widening project through Pamlico County.

The project has taken N.C. 55 from a narrow two-lane ribbon to five lanes, and has been heralded as the breakthrough for safety and economic development in this rural coastal county.

Orange barrels have dotted the landscape and long lines of stopped traffic have been the daily norm since August 2003. For some home and business owners, it has meant the loss of frontage space and in some cases, relocation.

But that should all be resolved and most of the work crews gone by June - the project's target completion date.

The scheduled completion date is June 15, although state Department of Transportation engineer Johnny Metcalfe said some additional work is likely.

"It is possible that the work in the Bayboro area will stretch into the summer months due to the frequent underground utility conflicts, the numerous driveway connections and additional work at Third Street," Metcalfe said.

The project was divided into three sections. The second phase of the 14-mile, $47.8 million project was completed, widening from two to five lanes from inside the Craven County line to Bennett Tingle Road near Grantsboro.

Five lanes are now complete inside the town of Alliance.

Work continues through Alliance and Bayboro. In Bayboro, the current three lanes will be changed to  two westbound lanes, one eastbound and one center  turn lane.

Forrest Farm Supply is typical of Bayboro businesses that have lost frontage and faced challenges with access to the business.

Owner Chuck Forrest's business has the added traffic of trucks going in and out with equipment and materials.

It's planting season in Pamlico County.

"It's time to start in the garden and the farmers are starting to plant corn," he said.  "The state and Barnhill (Construction) have been real good about leaving us a driveway open and directing people in and out. So, I have no complaints with the project. It's looking real good."

N.C. 55 is  the only east-west highway in the county, from Oriental to Craven County.  Forrest said the new highway should reap dividends.

 "It is going to be a very good addition to the town when it is through," he said, "as long as people stop and buy things and don't use it as a thoroughfare to New Bern."

A Bayboro business that has suffered through the projects is the popular eating spot, Charlie's Restaurant. It was closed three days this past week while crews installed new curbing.

Owner Edwin Brinson said that in the past he has been forced to close about a half dozen times because of cut water and sewer lines.

"I probably lost $10,000 from all that," he said. Brinson said he made inquiries but there was no recourse to recoup his losses.

He will be glad when the last of the orange barrels and machinery leave town.

"Oh yes," he said. "It'll be nice when they get it done. In the future it will help. Then, you can leave here and you can be in New Bern in 10 minutes. People probably used to not come down here because it was a two-lane road and took forever."

Metcalfe said the economy has had no noticeable rffect on costs, with each project running over budget at a level acceptable to the Department of Transportation in light of rising  construction material costs in recent years.

The first section - 2.9 miles - from inside Craven County to Bayleaf Road in the Olympia community was completed in March 2007 at  10 percent over budget.

The second section - 6.2 miles - extending to Bennett Tingle Road near Grantsboro was completed in August 2007 at 6.8 percent over budget.

The final phase - 5.1 miles that ends at the Pamlico County Courthouse is now 10 percent over projected costs.

He said all storm drain work is complete in Bayboro except at Pamlico County High School. Contractors will have to tie in a large sewer line and move services.

"After that we will begin asphalt on the eastbound lanes. Once base asphalt is placed we will place curb and gutter, sidewalk, pave the surface, seed, install traffic signals, and signs," he said. "In Alliance we still have the drainage at Wachovia (bank) and Hardees to tie in."

Because of the heavy traffic in Alliance and Bayboro, motorists are urged to use caution.

"They need to pay attention to traffic patterns. We will be switching traffic to provide the safest and most efficient work zone possible," Metcalfe said. "The center turn lane will be closed during paving to keep all paving behind barrels. We will continue to utilize traffic shifts as the storm drain subcontractor finishes their work."