Construction on 23-74/107 connector could begin in 2015

Construction on 23-74/107 connector could begin in 2015
By Stephanie Salmons
The Sylva Herald
May 1, 2008

Even if a road connecting N.C. 107 and U.S. 23/74 is built, it could be
at least six years before the N.C. Department of Transportation begins
right of way acquisition for the project.

That was the news from the April 23 meeting of the Jackson County
Transportation Task Force.

According to Project Manager Mark Reep, of Raleigh-based KO and
Associates, an environmental and feasibility study for the proposed
road, which has been known as the eastern portion of the Southern Loop,
is just beginning and should be completed by 2009.

In the interim, it's possible that some relief for the congested
highway could come as the result of another feasibility study,
according to Derrick Lewis of NCDOT's feasibility study unit. He said a
study is currently under way for N.C. 107 from its intersection with
U.S. 23 business near Bogart's through Cullowhee. That feasibility
study can be used to evaluate other traffic control options, Lewis
said.

"I think this is more in line to answer questions," Lewis said of the
study, which is slated for completion in late 2009. "We're trying to
find what it will take to meet traffic demands on N.C. 107."

Officials are also in the process of collecting data that could show
the importance of 107-23/74 connector project, Reep said, adding that
once the purpose and need of the project is established, a detailed
study of alternatives will commence.

Alternatives can include not taking any action, using existing
transportation systems, researching public transportation options
within the area to see if they could stand as an alternative, and
road-building alternatives.

If it is decided to build the road, selection of a preferred
alternative is scheduled to happen in the spring of 2013 following an
Environmental Impact Statement, a draft of which is scheduled to be
prepared for public review in 2012, and a public hearing, Reep said.

According to Reep, right of way acquisition, which can begin after the
final EIS is submitted and a preferred alternative is selected, is
slated to begin in 2014.

"During this process, there will be local government involvement," Reep
said, adding that the Rural Planning Organization, which serves smaller
areas as a voice to the DOT, will serve in an advisory capacity and
that DOT officials will seek community input throughout the process.

"NCDOT will seek input through the entire county and from
municipalities and the transportation task force throughout the study,"
Reep said.

Public-involvement opportunities may include briefings, meetings with
community groups, citizens' informational workshops, newsletters,
e-mail and public hearings, he said.

Although a new road to help alleviate the traffic situation on N.C. 107
is years off, Division 14 engineer Joel Setzer told the task force that
there are steps being taken that would affect traffic on the road.

These steps include taking a curve out of N.C. 116 making the road
easier to travel and a new road that would connect Southwestern
Community College with N.C. 107 south of its intersection with N.C.
116.

"That will take quite a bit of traffic congestion off of that
intersection," Setzer said, adding that improvements to Fairview Road
and Jones Street have also helped improve access to Smoky Mountain High
School and relieve traffic at the N.C. 107/N.C. 116 intersection.