Smart Roads Alliance


The Jackson County Smart Roads Alliance was formed in 2002 in response to a proposal by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to build a new $132 million* highway through the middle of our most precious and beautiful rural county. Our goal since 2002 has been to work together as a community and create smart solutions to our traffic and transportation issues. (* $132 million construction cost source: NCDOT 2008)

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North Carolina Department of Transportation


NCDOT is planning to build the $132 million Southern Loop Bypass (NC 107 Connector) from US 23-74 in Balsam to NC 107 between Sylva and Cullowhee - NCDOT project STIP R-4745 is funded and construction will begin in 2016 unless the public demands other solutions.

The Resolutions

The Resolutions, unanimously signed in 2003 by the representative leaders from all four of Jackson County's incorporated towns (Sylva, Dillsboro, Webster, Forest Hills) requested that NCDOT "remove the Southern Loop Bypass from its long-range plan" and instead develop strategies for "improving existing roads as alternatives to the Bypass". A copy of the resolution and a petitions with thousands of Jackson County citizen's signatures were turned in to NCDOT at their annual State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) meetings to stop this proposed new highway. Despite public opposition, NCDOT is moving forward with this massive new highway project.

Other important articles with background information:
2009 - Smart Roads Alliance Position: Jackson County Comprehensive Transportation Plan
2008 - Construction on 23-74/107 connector could begin in 2015
2008 - Smart Roads Files Compaint Over Southern Loop
2008 - Smart Roads Event Discusses Alternatives to Southern Loop
2007 - Leaders, citizens demand input as road plan progresses
2007 - Southern Loop Opposition Mounts
2007 - Burrell, Setzer Plug Plan for Southern Loop (ignoring public outcry and towns' wishes)
2007 - Southern Loop On Priority List, Transportation Advisory Committee Disagrees
2007 - STIP Includes Funding For Portion of Southern Loop
2003 - "Who will decide the future growth of Jackson County?"
2003 - Sylva, Dillsboro Join Official Opposition to Southern Loop (The Resolutions)
2002 - Smart Roads Alliance Formed
2001 - NCDOT Division 14 Engineer Ron Watson updates EDC on 'southern loop' status
2001 - Southern Loop Feasibility Study Approved


The original proposed new highway project would have cost over $230* million to construct ($26 million per mile) and continued to US 23-441 through Webster. The Jackson County Smart Roads Alliance was instrumental in getting the Webster portion of the bypass removed from the R-4745 plan. (* NCDOT 2001 estimate)

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Thursday, July 12, 2001

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

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"We are for the preservation of our communities.
We are not against growth and development,
nor a reasonable expansion of existing roads.
"

- Lydia Aydlett, Smart Roads Alliance

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."


- Margaret Mead