Tag Archive for: #NCDOT

TownTalk: Mobility Hub Info Sessions In Henderson May 13, 14

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The concept for situating a mobility hub in downtown Henderson is taking shape, and the public has a chance to share opinions and ideas about what the actual facility should – and could – look like.

Grady McCollum is one of many at the N.C. Dept. of Transportation who is helping to move the plan from the vision board stage to the brick-and-mortar stage. McCollum, senior project coordinator of NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division, said having a mobility hub in Henderson can be transformational for transportation options and beyond.

The information sessions will be held Tuesday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 14 in Henderson. The May 13 session will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Farm Bureau Room at Perry Memorial Library; the May 14 session will take place from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the site of the proposed mobility hub – the former First National Bank Building on South Garnett Street.

Although plans for the S-Line rail corridor may be on pause as a result of efforts at the federal level to reduce wasteful spending and make government more efficient, McCollum said on Wednesday’s TownTalk that he and his team at the state level will keep working toward completion of mobility hubs along the S-Line Corridor until they’re told there’s definitely a major change happening.

“We’re planning on the money coming, and we’re anticipating the money coming,” he said.

Until they hear otherwise, it’s “full steam ahead – pardon the pun,” McCollum said.

Having a mobility hub in place will make sure Henderson is “ready” for rail service, he said. The former bank building is centrally located, right in the heart of downtown Henderson, and the concept is to have it be a central location for all types of transportation used by residents, as well as those coming to visit or using Henderson as a stop to a future destination.

It’s a place to meet and gather, too, he said – “a catalytic spark to future development.”

A mobility hub would offer amenities like restrooms and bike racks but also give people a place to connect that is new, exciting, convenient and inviting.

What better place than a former bank building to purchase a train ticket, reserve a KARTS micro-transit ride or just stop in to meet up with like-minded friends?

“Being in the center of downtown is what makes it a good site,” McCollum said. “It brings in excitement to downtown,” and the plan to revitalize the area across the railroad tracks along William Street helps to broaden the scope of the total project.

The bank building, although in need of some major renovation, is unique among the half dozen or more spots along the S-Line corridor that the NCDOT is working with.

McCollum called it an anchor of the city, and he is excited “to build that up and make it as impressive and cool” as it can be.

“It gets your mind racing with all it could be,” he continued, adding that having an actual bank vault as a backdrop to a ticket counter? “It’s a unique and interesting space I think that brings a lot of character with it.”

Other communities along S Line don’t have the luxury of lots of community gathering places, and McCollum said this mobility hub could serve as a way to bring the community together for events in addition to helping to move people around in the easiest, most convenient way possible.

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NCDOT

Upcoming Improvements for Franklin County Roads

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The N.C. Department of Transportation has awarded a $2.3 million contract to Sunrock Industries LLC to improve more than 16 miles of roadway in Franklin County.

The project will include milling, resurfacing and shoulder reconstruction.

The roads to be improved are:

  • Brantleytown Road/Old Halifax Road from the Franklin-Wake County line to N.C. 39
  • Halifax Road from North Bickett Boulevard to Justice Street
  • Vaiden Road from Schloss Road to N.C. 58
  • 11 stretches of secondary roadway

Work may begin this spring and is expected to be completed by late fall 2026.

— press release information courtesy of NCDOT

The Local Skinny! Aviation Academies at the Henderson-Oxford Airport

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The Henderson-Oxford Airport is one of a dozen airports to get state funding to host summer academies for students in grades K-12 who want to learn more about aviation and the aerospace industry.

The N.C. Dept. of Transportation’s Division of Aviation has awarded grants of up to $5,000 for these smaller airports to have programs for young people, according to information from NCDOT.

“We’re thrilled to partner with airports across the state to offer these academies,” said Nick Short, interim director of the NCDOT Division of Aviation. “Not only do students have an incredible time learning about aviation, but they also gain valuable insight into the career opportunities available in this dynamic and growing industry. It’s about sparking curiosity and showing them that the sky really is the limit.”

The academies are designed to engage students in hands-on activities, interactive lessons and behind-the-scenes experiences that bring the aviation industry to life. Participants can look forward to flight simulator sessions, airport tours, aircraft demonstrations and opportunities to connect with aviation professionals who share their passion for the skies. Triangle North Executive Airport in Louisburg is also participating in the summer academy program.

The ACE Academy Grant Program is a key component of the Division of Aviation’s mission to support aerospace and aviation workforce development. By funding these academies, the Division is helping to cultivate a pipeline of skilled professionals who will contribute to the state’s robust aviation sector.

Parents and students interested in participating in this year’s ACE Academies can learn more by visiting the NCDOT web page devoted to the academies, which contains contact information for each.

James N. Brown, Jr., director of Customized Training at Vance-Granville Community College, is the contact person for both local airports. Contact Brown at 252.738.3520 or brownj@vgcc.edu.

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Henderson Driver License Office Closed Until At Least 2 P.M. Friday

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UPDATE: The Henderson Driver License office has reopened as of 1:50 p.m. Friday

Original Update:

WIZS News learned at 7:30 a.m. Friday that the Henderson Driver License Office is expected to be closed until at least 2 p.m. Friday.

A spokesperson with DMV and NCDOT told WIZS, “The Driver License office in Henderson will be closed this morning to allow for necessary facilities maintenance and office upgrades. Customers with appointments this morning are being serviced at the Oxford Driver License office or have been rescheduled.”

The Henderson office is scheduled to reopen around 2:00 p.m.

More details may be available later in the day.

In mid-January there was a closure for scheduled office upgrades such as the installation of new workstations for examiners, new wiring for computers, computer upgrades, and new furniture in the customer waiting area.

S-Line Rail Corridor

The Local Skinny! City Council Chooses Iconic Downtown Bank Building As Site Of Local Mobility Hub

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The Henderson City Council chose Monday night the former First National Bank building to be the site of the mobility hub for the S-Line railway project.

In a unanimous vote, at its regular monthly meeting, the Council selected the historic building located in the middle of downtown Henderson. Council members Sara Coffey, Garry Daeke and Lamont Noel were absent from the meeting.

Assistant City Manager Paylor Spruill and N.C. DOT representatives reviewed progress with the project thus far and said next steps were waiting the final site selection.

The Mobility Hub and Rail Station is a separate project from the actual rail project, which will help connect by rail Raleigh and Richmond.

Henderson is one of the stops along the 85-mile stretch of rail line that will provide commuter and passenger service.

The city’s Land Planning Committee met in November and December to consider the two sites under consideration – the city-owned First National Bank property and the Garnett Street Station.

Renovating a major building in the downtown was seen as a strong catalyst to further confidence by private investment in downtown’s redevelopment, according to information contained in Monday’s agenda package.

The historical significance of the bank building, with covenants in place to preserve the architecture, would likely not attract private investors. But putting the building to use as a public space could be a good way to preserve the building and provide benefits to the community.

Council member Sam Seifert sits on the Land Planning Committee and said choosing the historic building would send “a strong message” about downtown development, adding that the transformed building could become a “statement piece” along the S-Line project.

Staff from the DOT’s Integrity Mobility Division attended Monday’s Council meeting and said although the program is facilitated by DOT, “we want to make sure it’s led by the city of Henderson.”

They want to ensure that the mobility hub provides connectivity to William Street and Garnett Street, giving pedestrians safe options to walk in the area when they come to visit.

With the feasibility study completed, next steps include an environmental study before getting to the design and construction phases. But DOT needed a decision from city leaders before moving on.

Cost estimates are preliminary but could be more than $21 million to bring the old building back from disrepair, due to age and damage and the fact that it has been vacant for so long.

The façade appears ok and in good shape, but the interior needs extensive work.

Also, there are businesses on the William Street side that will be displaced because of the project, so there will need to be money set aside for acquisitions. And because of its historic significance, there need to be extensive coordination with state historic preservation officials.

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Driver License Office in Henderson Closed; Scheduled to Reopen at 1 p.m. January 15, 2025

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— courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Transportation

The Driver License office in Henderson will be closed Tuesday and half a day on Wednesday for scheduled optimization.

The closure is for scheduled office upgrades such as the installation of new workstations for examiners, new wiring for computers, computer upgrades, and new furniture in the customer waiting area.

Customers who had appointments have already been rescheduled.

The office is scheduled to reopen at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

NCDOT

Sunrock Awarded $6.2M Project To Improve Southern Granville County Intersection

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Improvements to a busy intersection in southern Granville County are set to begin soon, now that the N.C. Dept. of Transportation has awarded the $6.2 million contract to Raleigh-based Sunrock Industries, LLC, which has an operation in Butner.

Work on the N.C. 56 intersection at West Lyon Station Road could begin as early as this winter, according to NCDOT spokesperson Kim Deaner.

The project will realign West Lyon Station Road near I-85 and N.C. 56 (East C Street, Butner) to provide greater separation between the intersections, improve safety and reduce congestion. Work will include installing water and sewer, storm drains, curbs, gutters, asphalt and striping.

The project also will include work on the bridge on N.C. 56 over the interstate.

Completion is expected in summer 2026, but the timeline doesn’t include any planting, reforestation or placement of permanent vegetation.

 

NCDOT

Eight-Month Detour Begins Monday As Bridge Replacement Begins On Ed Harris Road

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A section of Ed Harris Road in Granville County will be closed beginning next week as a contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation replaces a bridge.

The bridge over Tabbs Creek, which was built in 1955, will close Nov. 4 for demolition and replacement, according to NCDOT spokesperson Kim Deaner.

The new structure, part of a $1 million project, will be wider and taller to better withstand future flooding. Construction is expected to take about eight months.

During the closure, drivers will detour onto Dorsey Road, N.C. 158, and Watkins Road to reconnect with Ed Harris Road.

Drivers should plan for longer commutes and use caution when traveling near the work zone.

Chamber’s “State Of Transportation” Luncheon Program Details Dabney Drive, S-Line Projects

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The Dabney Drive facelift from Coble Boulevard to Garnett Street is on the state’s to-do list, with right-of-way acquisitions set to begin in about a year and contracts to be let for bid by summer 2027.

It’s among several projects on the 2024-2033 NCDOT State Transportation Improvement Project – STIP – as Division 5 Engineer Brandon Jones explained during the “State of Transportation” program hosted Wednesday by the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce.

Locals may simply call it the Dabney Drive project, but at NCDOT, it’s known as U-5890.

The project includes making Dabney Drive a one-way road, creating  sidewalks and bike paths and a peanut-shaped roundabout near Dabney and Garnett, Jones said during his presentation.

Also on that list are two bridge projects – Bridge 89, or Nutbush Bridge, and Bridge 38, at U.S. 1 North over the CSX rail line. Contracts for the bridge projects are scheduled to be let in July 2028 and January 2030, respectively.

The Dabney Drive project is going to be a “great improvement,” Jones said, not only benefitting drivers, but for bicyclists and pedestrians. Dabney Drive will feature a six-foot-wide sidewalk and Corbitt Road, which will handle westbound traffic to Dabney Drive’s eastbound traffic, will include a 10-foot-wide multi-use path.

The 10-year STIP gets updated every couple of years, and Jones said there are three “buckets” of money that projects must fall under: state mobility projects, regional impact projects and division needs projects. The state projects get 40 percent of the funds, with regional and division projects each getting 30 percent.

“Every bucket has to be balanced in the STIP – that’s what creates differences in scheduling,” Jones explained.

With only 25 percent coming from federal dollars, Jones said the state relies on the motor fuel tax to help fund road projects.

But that tax is going down,” he said, because vehicles are becoming more fuel efficient – and generating less revenue.

“It’s a good thing for the environment, but has a negative impact on the potential revenue we receive to keep our transportation system expanded and maintained.”

Road projects can seem like they take a long time to complete, but Jones reminded the audience that all pre-construction design can easily take years. It’s not like the city can just close Dabney Drive while it’s being worked on – NCDOT crews are “always having to build new, shift traffic, tear out old and repeat that pattern for awhile,” he said.

The other major transportation-related news for Henderson and Vance County is the much-anticipated S-Line passenger rail line. When the North Carolina portion is completed, it will help connect Atlanta to the D.C. area, Jones said.

Henderson is set to be one of the stops along the S-Line as it makes its way north into Raleigh and then Wake Forest before chugging through Franklin County into Henderson and Norlina.

Jones said the estimate to get the stretch from Raleigh to Wake Forest alone will cost $1 billion. It’ll take another billion to complete the link from Wake Forest to Henderson.

The state is buying the existing rail line from CSX, but there will be a lot to do to be ready for high-speed passenger rail service.

“You can’t just take care of the rail,” Jones said, “you’ve got to take care of the at-grade intersections…(and) grade separate them,”

Alexander Avenue is one local street that will need this attention as the S-Line makes progress. An underpass or tunnel at Peachtree Road and closing off Chavasse Avenue are also planned.

The Alexander Avenue project is one of three projects that have cleared one hurdle to be considered in future STIP funding, Jones said. The other two are making intersection improvements at Raleigh Road and Belmont Drive and a citywide signal system in Henderson. If they don’t make “committed” status in the next five years, they’ll have to compete again to get on the STIP list.

State Of Transportation Topic Of Oct. 30 ‘Lunch And Learn’

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The “State of Transportation” Lunch and Learn session sponsored by the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce will be held on Wednesday, Oct.  30 at 12 noon at the Henderson Country Club.

NCDOT Division 5 Engineer Brandon Jones is scheduled to be the featured speaker. Jones, a 28-year employee of NCDOT, oversees operations for the seven counties in Division 5 which includes project development, project delivery, maintenance of roads and bridges and traffic operations. Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin counties are included in Division 5, along with Person, Durham and Wake counties.

The cost per person is $30 or $240 for a table of eight and lunch is included. Please register by Oct. 25.

To register, contact the Chamber office at 252.438.8414 or email Chamber Director of Admin & Marketing Tanya Weary at tanya@hendersonvance.org.