Last Updated on July 11, 2016 2:10 pm
The N.C. Department of Transportation will hold two public hearings today (Monday July 11) and tomorrow on the proposed widening of U.S. 321 along a 14-mile stretch between Hickory and Lenoir.
The proposal involves widening the highway from a four-lane median-divided roadway to a six-lane divided roadway in order to alleviate congestion and enhance an important transportation corridor.
Several segments of the road and a majority of intersections along U.S. 321 between Lenoir and Hickory are experiencing congestion which can be heavy at times. These conditions are anticipated to worsen as traffic volumes increase in the next 20 years.
The project is 13.9 miles in length. It originally ended at the U.S. 64 intersection in Lenoir, but has been shortened to end at Southwest Boulevard. The section of U.S. 321 from Southwest Boulevard to U.S. 64 may be studied as a separate project in the future.
At the hearings next week, citizens will be able to speak, ask questions or submit comments following the formal presentation. All comments will be recorded and a written transcript will be compiled with written and verbal comments carrying the same importance.
U.S. 321 Open House and Public Hearing Locations:
• Monday, July 11
Open House: 4:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Formal Presentation: 7 p.m.
Winkler Activity Center, 2500 Clement Blvd. NW
Hickory
• Tuesday, July 12
Open House: 4:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Formal Presentation: 7 p.m.
Broyhill Center, Room 215
1913 Hickory Blvd., SE,
Lenoir
Public Hearing Maps are available online at: http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/publicmeetings/
Maps are also available for viewing at the following locations:
- Town of Granite Falls Planning Department – 4 South Main Street
- City of Lenoir Planning Department – 901 West Avenue NW
- City of Hickory Planning Department – 76 North Center Street
- Town of Hudson Planning Department – 550 Central Street
- Town of Sawmills Planning Department – 4076 U.S. Highway 321-A
Anyone desiring additional information regarding the project may contact Diane Wilson, Senior Public Involvement Officer, NCDOT Human Environment at 1598 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1598, (919) 707-6073 or pdwilson1@ncdot.gov.
Comments maybe submitted until August 12, 2016.
NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in this workshop. Anyone requiring special services should contact Ms. Wilson as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.
