DOT forum tonight on median project

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has sent out a list of the most frequently asked questions in advance of a public forum tonight about the median project in Havelock.

The meeting is from 5:30 to 7:30 tonight at the Havelock Tourist and Events Center.

Local residents are encouraged to come to the event and voice their opinions about the median project.

The following is the list of questions (and answers) circulated by DOT:

Why is my access being changed or reviewed?

The access changes being proposed for US 70 are part of a growing effort to improve how major transportation corridors are managed.  US 70 is a strategic highway corridor for North Carolina.  The primary purpose of access management is to reduce crashes and traffic delay.

Why is a median similar to the one planned for Havelock not being installed in Morehead City and Kinston?  If Kinston and Morehead are to have a median installed, what is the time frame and is it funded?

At the time the Havelock median project (W-5101) was initiated in 2007, the US 70 segment through Havelock had the highest number of crashes on the entire corridor according to the study performed by the Super 70 Corridor consultants.  The project's Benefit-to-Cost (B/C) ratio is 8.09, which means we expect to realize $8.09 of benefit in the form of crashes either not occurring or becoming less severe for every $1.00 spent.

Also in 2007, a study of the US 70 segment from just west of US 258 South to NC 58 South in Kinston was initiated.  A project to install a raised median was developed with a B/C of 6.62.  The Kinston project has not formally been added to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), but is expected to be added within the next few months with a tentative date for construction of Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2011.  The earliest construction could begin based on this schedule is October 1, 2010.

In early 2008, a study of the US 70 segment from west of Willis Road to Banks Street in Morehead City was also initiated.  A project to install a raised median was developed with a B/C ratio of 4.08.  The Morehead City project has not formally been added to the TIP, but is expected to be added within the next few months with a tentative date for construction of Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2012.  The earliest construction could begin based on this schedule is October 1, 2011.

Each of these projects is to be funded with Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds (formerly known as Hazard Elimination funds).  As the construction schedule for these funds is programmed, the schedule for the projects with the higher B/C's are typically constructed first. 

If safety is the "reason" for installing the median in Havelock, then why won't the NCDOT agree to lower the speed limit in the Wal-Mart area where it is 55mph?

The speed limit in this area was evaluated and based on roadside development, shoulder widths, available sight distance, roadway alignment, and other factors it was determined that the speed limit in the Wal-Mart area and the Slocum Gate area was appropriate.  NCDOT will re-evaluate speed limits throughout Havelock in conjunction with this project.  This will also include evaluating the timing plans for the signal system.

Will marked/controlled crosswalks be included in the median project?

It is not currently planned to include marked or controlled crosswalks with this project.  NCDOT will re-evaluate this request based on feedback received at this informational workshop and based on feedback from the City of Havelock.

Will left-turn movements be permitted at each of the existing intersections?

All turning movements will be permitted at the signalized intersections.  Left-turn movements from eastbound US 70 onto Jaycee Street are being considered based on feedback received at this public information session.

How will the median construction affect truck traffic entering and leaving the UPS Distribution Center?

It is the understanding of NCDOT that there are currently 4 tractor trailer trucks that leave the UPS center each day.  Typically, two of these are headed eastbound on US 70 and two are headed westbound.  The eastbound trucks will be able to travel as they do currently.  The westbound trucks will have the option of turning onto US 70 eastbound, turning left onto Roosevelt Avenue, left on NC 101, and then back right on US 70 westbound.  Trucks entering the site from the west will enter as they currently enter.  Trucks entering from the east will have the option to turn right onto Roosevelt Avenue, left onto NC 101, and then enter the site from either US 70 eastbound or Miller Boulevard.

Annunciation Catholic Church does not currently have access to the signal at US 70 and Cunningham.  Will this project provide them access to the signal? 

One of the proposed options for the project includes installation of a right turn lane from eastbound US 70 into the Church site and modification of the signal to allow exiting traffic from the Church to do so under signal control.  The Church has agreed to donate right-of-way needed for this work and also to construct the needed improvements within their site to tie into the work being performed by NCDOT.

How will traffic be interrupted to and from my business and how will this impact customer ingress and egress to my site?

A majority of construction work is planned to be performed at night to minimize inconvenience during construction.  Traffic patterns will change during and after construction.  Access management can improve safety and traffic flow by separating access points so that turning and crossing movements occur at fewer locations.  Access management also helps to reduce the growing problem of traffic congestion.  The reduction of conflict points and friction along the corridor will provide a safer and easier entrance to businesses, while providing more efficient traffic operations for vehicles travelling through on US 70.

If the details of this project are worked out when might construction begin?

Construction may begin after the plan changes are made and the changes are negotiated with the contractor.  Right-of-way will also have to be secured from Annunciation Catholic Church if this part of the project moves forward.  This could happen as quickly as one to two months.  Funding for the project will also have to be released by NCDOT Transportation Secretary Conti.