Southern Loop Feasibility Study Approved

The Sylva Herald - Letters To The Editor
July 12, 2001

Southern Loop feasibility study approved

To the Editor:

I would like to share some important information regarding a proposed southern loop around the town of Sylva. The N.C. Department of Transportation is in the early stages of the planning process - studying the possibility of building an eight-mile, two-lane bypass.

Building a highway is a lengthy process, one that can take from seven to 10 years. Many factors must be considered before construction begins - including need, traffic demand, public input, funding, location for the highway, environmental, aesthetic and community impacts and right-of-way acquisition. I want to explain how this process works and how citizens can be involved in planning highways in their area.

First, in 1993, local officials asked the department to study highway needs 20-25 years in the future based on projected population growth and traffic counts and to provide solutions to possible highway congestion. Based on this information and after 11 months of study, state engineers produced a "Thoroughfare Plan" for Sylva and Dillsboro that showed the need for a new southern route. This proposed route would help alleviate traffic congestion along N.C. 107 bound for Western Carolina University and truck traffic off of Main Street in Sylva.

Second, after a thoroughfare plan is produced, the department conducts a feasibility study to see how and where such a route could be constructed. N.C. DOT staff investigates all possibilities and makes recommendations on specific routes that would protect natural resources and minimize impacts on residents. This is where we are now in the process with years of environmental studies and public workshops before a decision is made to build a new loop around Sylva.

Last month the department included a feasibility study for a South Sylva Bypass in the 2002-08 Transportation Improvement Plan - the department's blueprint for statewide transportation projects during the next seven years. N.C. DOT staff will begin studying all corridors from U.S. 23/441 south of Dillsboro to U.S. 23 Business east of Sylva that will help alleviate congestion along N.C. 107.

Once the feasibility study is completed in 2002, the N.C. DOT staff will hold public meetings so that citizens and local officials can have an active voice in their transportation network. Only then will a decision be made whether or not to proceed with the proposed project.

If the decision is made to build the highway, the next steps would include funding, public workshops and hearings and designing the highway. During this time, N.C. DOT staff would study the protection of endangered species, water quality, historical landmarks and obtain permits from resource agencies. The department also would begin surveying, appraising and negotiating for right of way with property owners. This process alone can take up to five years.

We are in the beginning stages of this project, and nothing is set in stone. However, it is important for citizens to take an active role in transportation planning. I encourage citizens to review the Thoroughfare Plan, which is available at the N.C. DOT Division Office, located along N.C. 116 in Sylva, and to attend future public meetings.

You can decide what your community will look like and how traffic will flow in the next 20 years. I welcome the opportunity to talk one-on-one with citizens about this and other projects in the area. I can be reached at 586-2141 in Sylva.

Sincerely,

Ron Watson, P.E.

14th Division Engineer

N.C. Department of

Transportation