North Carolina

[sprjus4]

This reminds me a lot of US 17 through Brunswick Co just south of Leland and around Shallotte. My original though was it was going to be full restricted freeway. I'm still fine with it. I hope it attracts some businesses on the southern end where my house is. (off of Belgrade-Swansboro Rd).

One can imagine US 17 in Brunswick County evolving gradually toward freeway status. The Bolivia Bypass was built without driveway connections, so it could easily be upgraded. There would be lots of support for replacing the stoplight at NC 211 in Supply with an interchange. The STIP already has a project to remove to one at-grade intersection on the Shallotte Bypass, which would make that section a freeway. Plus there's the plan for the freeway connection to SC 31 at the south end.

Likely a freeway to Wilmington would involve relocating US 17 between the Shallote Bypass and the Bolivia Bypass as a new location freeway. There would be too much impact to upgrade the existing roadway. From this point, the Bolivia Bypass could be upgraded to interstate standards, and another new-location freeway relocation between the Bolivia Bypass and I-140. This section could also be upgraded, because it's less developed. But the section between Shallote and Bolivia would more than likely be bypassed.

[jcarte29]

This reminds me a lot of US 17 through Brunswick Co just south of Leland and around Shallotte. My original though was it was going to be full restricted freeway. I'm still fine with it. I hope it attracts some businesses on the southern end where my house is. (off of Belgrade-Swansboro Rd).

The Maysville Bypass is a full freeway with only overpasses & bridges, no at-grade intersections or connections permitted. There will be at-grade intersection with US 17 Business at the southern end however, because the freeway ends there. It will only be posted at 60 MPH because it's short (only 3 miles) and not deemed necessary to jump to 70 MPH then back to 60 MPH.  but it is designed so if desired, could be safely posted as high as 70 MPH. It's designed just like the Pollocksville Bypass, which will be posted 70 MPH from the beginning. That bypass will get the 70 MPH speed because it's 7 miles long, and ties into an existing 6 miles of 70 MPH freeway, heading to the 70 MPH US 70 bypass. No speed variations there, once you hit Pollocksville, you're flowing 70 MPH for at least 15 miles heading to New Bern, and 32 miles (and even further once the Kinston Bypass is built and I-42 comes) heading to Kinston.

I was referring to the project as a whole, not the Maysville portion. Still satisfied with the final design of it.

[sprjus4]

This reminds me a lot of US 17 through Brunswick Co just south of Leland and around Shallotte. My original though was it was going to be full restricted freeway. I'm still fine with it. I hope it attracts some businesses on the southern end where my house is. (off of Belgrade-Swansboro Rd).

The Maysville Bypass is a full freeway with only overpasses & bridges, no at-grade intersections or connections permitted. There will be at-grade intersection with US 17 Business at the southern end however, because the freeway ends there. It will only be posted at 60 MPH because it's short (only 3 miles) and not deemed necessary to jump to 70 MPH then back to 60 MPH.  but it is designed so if desired, could be safely posted as high as 70 MPH. It's designed just like the Pollocksville Bypass, which will be posted 70 MPH from the beginning. That bypass will get the 70 MPH speed because it's 7 miles long, and ties into an existing 6 miles of 70 MPH freeway, heading to the 70 MPH US 70 bypass. No speed variations there, once you hit Pollocksville, you're flowing 70 MPH for at least 15 miles heading to New Bern, and 32 miles (and even further once the Kinston Bypass is built and I-42 comes) heading to Kinston.

I was referring to the project as a whole, not the Maysville portion. Still satisfied with the final design of it.

Oh okay. It's not a freeway now, however in the future another parallel roadway could be constructed to the new one, and the original road be converted back into the two-way US 17. The two new roadbeds would become a freeway at that point if warranted in the future.

At least they are posting the rarely used 60 MPH on this stretch. They need to do it more on other roadways in North Carolina. How come this will be 60 MPH, lined w/ homes, yet the stretch between Maysville and Jacksonville which is practically remote is only 55 MPH? Is there a major safety concern on this stretch or something? 

[sparker]

I'd be less opposed to an I-101 if it didn't make the possibility of a 3di for it pretty much impossible.

Not necessarily -- while 301 through 701 wouldn't be appropriate due to conflict with U.S. routes from VA down to SC, 201's up in Maine, so there wouldn't be a conflict -- and 801 & 901 are still available.  But that's getting ahead of things; it's not at all clear that a I-101 would be established at this point, much less any "children".  But the I-101 designation will likely be a subject of conjecture simply because of the lack of unused numbers in that grid area.

[LM117]

The new Bonner Bridge could be getting a new name.

https://www.wral.com/new-outer-banks-bridge-could-get-a-new-name-as-well/18174486/

It's now the Marc Basnight Bridge.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-03-07-basnight-bridge.aspx

[sprjus4]

The new Bonner Bridge could be getting a new name.

https://www.wral.com/new-outer-banks-bridge-could-get-a-new-name-as-well/18174486/

It's now the Marc Basnight Bridge.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-03-07-basnight-bridge.aspx

I don't care what new name they put on it, it'll always be the Bonner Bridge to me, along with a lot of other people. I don't know why they felt the need to re-name it.

[Beltway]

It's now the Marc Basnight Bridge.
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-03-07-basnight-bridge.aspx

I don't care what new name they put on it, it'll always be the Bonner Bridge to me, along with a lot of other people. I don't know why they felt the need to re-name it.

It is a different bridge, and the segment retained from the original bridge will keep the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge name. 

Both of them were politicians and legislators, so there is nothing sacrosanct about using either name.

[wdcrft63]

The new Bonner Bridge could be getting a new name.

https://www.wral.com/new-outer-banks-bridge-could-get-a-new-name-as-well/18174486/

It's now the Marc Basnight Bridge.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-03-07-basnight-bridge.aspx

I don't care what new name they put on it, it'll always be the Bonner Bridge to me, along with a lot of other people. I don't know why they felt the need to re-name it.

I agree, it's going to be the New Bonner Bridge for lots of folks for a long time.

For the record: Marc Basnight, from Nags Head, was the President pro tem of the NC Senate from 1993 to 2011 (18 years). He was a powerful supporter of highway development, especially on the routes leading to the Outer Banks. The US 64 freeway is really his monument, rather the bridge.

Herbert C. Bonner was the US Congressman representing the Outer Banks from 1940 until his death in 1965 (25 years).  He is particularly known for his support for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The Outer Banks owes both Bonner and Basnight a lot. There is a PC objection to Bonner: he was a supporter of segregation like all NC political leaders of his generation.

[Beltway]

I agree, it's going to be the New Bonner Bridge for lots of folks for a long time.

They could just call it the Oregon Inlet Bridge.

Simple, succinct and descriptive.

[goobnav]

I agree, it's going to be the New Bonner Bridge for lots of folks for a long time.

They could just call it the Oregon Inlet Bridge.

Simple, succinct and descriptive.

Agree, Basnight was not squeaky clean either and, giving a description of the location that most ignore, is informative.

Also, as @wdcrft63 stated, his monument is the 64 freeway to the Outer Banks.

[wdcrft63]

Here's news about another OBX bridge project. The Federal Record of Decision has arrived for the Mid-Currituck Bridge.
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-02-08-mid-currituck-bridge-record-of-decision.aspx

This allows ROW acquisition and final design to begin. It's a toll project, so the Turnpike Authority will be pushing it along.

[jcarte29]

Here's news about another OBX bridge project. The Federal Record of Decision has arrived for the Mid-Currituck Bridge.
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-02-08-mid-currituck-bridge-record-of-decision.aspx

This allows ROW acquisition and final design to begin. It's a toll project, so the Turnpike Authority will be pushing it along.

I apologize if this has been litigated already, but will it be cash-less and all electronic? Or will there be toll booths?

[sprjus4]

Here's news about another OBX bridge project. The Federal Record of Decision has arrived for the Mid-Currituck Bridge.
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-02-08-mid-currituck-bridge-record-of-decision.aspx

This allows ROW acquisition and final design to begin. It's a toll project, so the Turnpike Authority will be pushing it along.

I apologize if this has been litigated already, but will it be cash-less and all electronic? Or will there be toll booths?

The Federal Record of Decision - https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/mid-currituck-bridge/Documents/record-of-decision.pdf - indicates that a toll plaza will be located the US-158 / Mid-Currituck Bridge interchange.

A design concept of what it could look like was done about a decade ago - https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/MidCurrituckBridgeDocuments/Preferred%20Alternative%20Preliminary%20Design%20Scroll%201%20of%206%20-%20US%20158%20interchange.pdf

I would hope this design would be revised to provide a more traditional design IMHO, but nonetheless, that's presumably the plan for now. I recall seeing another option (not the preferred) that showed the toll plaza near the Currituck Sound, and the interchange with US-158, not having plazas, was a traditional trumpet. If they decided to go electronic instead, they'll likely just use the traditional trumpet design with overhead gantries through it.

[jcarte29]

Here's news about another OBX bridge project. The Federal Record of Decision has arrived for the Mid-Currituck Bridge.
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-02-08-mid-currituck-bridge-record-of-decision.aspx

This allows ROW acquisition and final design to begin. It's a toll project, so the Turnpike Authority will be pushing it along.

I apologize if this has been litigated already, but will it be cash-less and all electronic? Or will there be toll booths?

The Federal Record of Decision - https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/mid-currituck-bridge/Documents/record-of-decision.pdf - indicates that a toll plaza will be located the US-158 / Mid-Currituck Bridge interchange.

A design concept of what it could look like was done about a decade ago - https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/MidCurrituckBridgeDocuments/Preferred%20Alternative%20Preliminary%20Design%20Scroll%201%20of%206%20-%20US%20158%20interchange.pdf

I would hope this design would be revised to provide a more traditional design IMHO, but nonetheless, that's presumably the plan for now. I recall seeing another option (not the preferred) that showed the toll plaza near the Currituck Sound, and the interchange with US-158, not having plazas, was a traditional trumpet. If they decided to go electronic instead, they'll likely just use the traditional trumpet design with overhead gantries through it.

Thank you. Given that this design was a decade ago, maybe they still do the plaza with a dedicated lane for NC Quick Pass. Interested to follow.

[LM117]

http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/News/2019/03/12/Car-crash-helps-speed-replacement-of-bridge.html

[LM117]

NCDOT has awarded contract to rehab I-40 between the TN state line and mile marker 15. Work to begin in April and set for completion by June 2021.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-02-13-rehab-i-40-state-line.aspx

[LM117]

https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/major-changes-coming-to-southern-stretch-of-i-485/930223753

[LM117]

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-03-14-nc-12-frisco-closure.aspx

FRISCO — The N.C. Department of Transportation will close a section of N.C. Highway 12 in Frisco from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 24 to replace two cross pipes under the road.

The closure will take place between Delmer Willis Road and Sunset Strip in Frisco. A marked detour route along the beach will be available for four-wheel drive traffic only between National Park Service ramps 48 and 49. Motorists using the detour are advised to follow the marked route and obey posted speed limits. There is no detour route available for vehicles without four-wheel drive.

The work will be performed as scheduled unless a major weather event occurs.

[goobnav]

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-03-14-nc-12-frisco-closure.aspx

FRISCO — The N.C. Department of Transportation will close a section of N.C. Highway 12 in Frisco from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 24 to replace two cross pipes under the road.

The closure will take place between Delmer Willis Road and Sunset Strip in Frisco. A marked detour route along the beach will be available for four-wheel drive traffic only between National Park Service ramps 48 and 49. Motorists using the detour are advised to follow the marked route and obey posted speed limits. There is no detour route available for vehicles without four-wheel drive.

The work will be performed as scheduled unless a major weather event occurs.

Yes, possible roadtrip for the Jeep!!

[LM117]

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-02-15-bonner-bridge-closing.aspx

NAGS HEAD — During the week of March 18, contractors for the N.C. Department of Transportation will be installing gates and fences around the southern end of the Bonner Bridge and adjoining catwalks, as workers prepare for demolition work on the bridge. This will temporarily end public access to the bridge while the demolition takes place.

"It's a safety issue,"  said NCDOT Division One Engineer Jerry Jennings. "The south end of the old bridge will become a work zone for the next 10-12 months, so we need to keep the public out of harm's way."

About 1,000 feet of the bridge will remain after the demolition process and be converted into a public walkway. That section is expected to reopen in 2020.​

[cowboy_wilhelm]

Nothing a retaining wall can't fix.



The bigger problem is that I-26 is above the existing retaining wall on the right. A sinkhole has formed in the median near Howard Gap, and NCDOT has determined that the drainage system along this stretch of I-26 in Polk County needs to be repaired or replaced before the interstate goes too.

This three mile section of highway took eight years to build due to issues with drainage and slope stabilization.

[LM117]

New truck restrictions coming for a section of I-26.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-03-18-new-truck-restrictions-i-26.aspx

[sprjus4]

New truck restrictions coming for a section of I-26.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-03-18-new-truck-restrictions-i-26.aspx

Mixed thoughts. While I agree trucks shouldn't be in the left lane, this is a 10 mile stretch of 4-lane interstate where trucks will not be permitted to pass. So if a truck is going 60 MPH (the speed limit), and for whatever reason another vehicle is within their legal right to do 50 MPH for example in the right lane, the truck has to sit behind him for 10 miles, even if the left lane is clear for him to speed past and carry on with his day.

I think the restriction should only apply when a truck is being THAT trucker (passes in the left lane at 60.2 MPH to pass the truck in the right lane doing 60.125 MPH) A clear pass should still be permitted though like I described above.

[cowboy_wilhelm]

New truck restrictions coming for a section of I-26.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-03-18-new-truck-restrictions-i-26.aspx

Mixed thoughts. While I agree trucks shouldn't be in the left lane, this is a 10 mile stretch of 4-lane interstate where trucks will not be permitted to pass.

More like 2.5 miles with 5% grades either side of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/35.5126478,-82.5843143/35.4846992,-82.5596925/@35.4981405,-82.5757737,14.93z/data=!4m2!4m1!3e0

It will be such a cluster once they start widening later this year that it won't matter if there's a lane restriction or not.

[sprjus4]

New truck restrictions coming for a section of I-26.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-03-18-new-truck-restrictions-i-26.aspx

Mixed thoughts. While I agree trucks shouldn't be in the left lane, this is a 10 mile stretch of 4-lane interstate where trucks will not be permitted to pass.

More like 2.5 miles with 5% grades either side of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/35.5126478,-82.5843143/35.4846992,-82.5596925/@35.4981405,-82.5757737,14.93z/data=!4m2!4m1!3e0

It will be such a cluster once they start widening later this year that it won't matter if there's a lane restriction or not.

Appears I missed that. I was looking at the further north crossing north of I-40. That makes more since, trucks riding the left lane on an uphill grade can be very hazardous.

I've not done it along this particular stretch, though I do recall once instance last year climbing Afton Mountain in Virginia along I-64, and being stuck behind two trucks doing 30 MPH, in a 65 MPH zone. Not fun.