Last Updated on April 9, 2015 11:56 am
Information from NCDOT:
NCDOT plans to widen U.S. 221 from U.S. 421 in Watauga County to U.S. 221 Business/N.C. 88 in Jefferson from two to four lanes. The 16.1-mile project is designed to improve traffic flow, reduce the number of crashes and increase regional connectivity along this highly traveled corridor.
As of July 10, 2015:
Right-of-way acquisition for project sections A, B, C, and D is currently in progress.
A contract was awarded for Section D on February 24, 2015. Construction began in March.
Sections A and B are scheduled to be let in September 2015.
NCDOT held a public meeting regarding the proposed project in December 2012.
Project Overview
NCDOT plans to widen 16.1 miles of U.S. 221 to a four-lane roadway divided by a median from U.S. 421 in Deep Gap to the U.S. 221 Business/N.C. 88 intersection in Jefferson. This project will increase traffic capacity, alleviate congestion and reduce traffic crashes.
Project Section Details:
Section A
County: Watauga/Ashe
Right of Way: In progress
Let Date: 9/15/2015
Description: U.S. 421 to Idlewild Rd.
Length: 2.8 miles
Cost: $25.6 million
Section B
County: Ashe
Right of Way: In progress
Let Date: 2/21/2017
Description: Idlewild Rd. to north of South Fork New River
Length: 1.8 miles
Cost: $21.3 million
Section C
County: Ashe
Right of Way: In progress
Let Date: 9/15/2015
Description: South Fork New river to south of N.C. 194
Length: 4.0 miles
Cost: $45.0 million
Section D
County: Ashe
Right of Way: In progress
Let Date: 2/17/2015
Description: South of N.C. 194 to north of N.C. 163
Length: 4.0 miles
Cost: $26.0 million
Section E
County: Ashe
Right of Way: 2017
Let Date: 2019
Description: N.C. 163 to U.S. 221 Business/N.C. 88 in Jefferson
Length: 3.5 miles
Cost: $15.4 million
