Area residents are invited to a public meeting with the N.C. Department
of Transportation to discuss the proposal to upgrade Dabney Drive from
Coble Boulevard to U.S. Hwy. 158 Business in Vance County. The revisions
include a roundabout at the intersection with Dorsey Avenue.
The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at E.
M. Rollins Elementary School, 1600 S. Garnett St. Extension, in Henderson.
-information courtesy of Crystal Smith, Senior Assistant to Warren County Manager
The bridge on Perry Town Road was shut down in November 2023 after the N.C. Dept. of Transportation declared it unsafe for traffic.
Since then, NC DOT has developed a plan to replace and widen the bridge, known as Bridge 126, according to information from Warren County leaders.
However, in order to begin construction, Warren County Public Utilities will need to relocate a portion of the 8-inch water main line that runs parallel to the bridge.
Warren County advertised for bids to complete the project, which closed on Jan. 18, 2024. If the county receives sufficient bids, the awarded contractor can begin relocating the water line after Feb. 19, 2024. At this time, NC DOT has not stated how long this water line relocation and the bridge replacement will have the road closed.
-information courtesy of the N.C. Department of Transportation
A stretch of Interstate 85 is now named in honor of Andrea Harris, the late civil rights activist from North Carolina who devoted her life to racial and social equity and helped many minority and women-owned businesses.
On Friday, Gov. Roy Cooper joined state and local dignitaries, and members of the Harris family at a ceremony in Raleigh to dedicate I-85 near the Vance-Warren County line as the “Andrea L Harris Highway.” Harris, 72, died in 2020 after battling an illness. Henderson City Manager Terrell Blackmon was among those in attendance.
“My friend Andrea Harris fought tirelessly to level the playing field for women and minority owned businesses, particularly in rural North Carolina,” Cooper said at Friday’s ceremony at the North Carolina State Archives Auditorium in Raleigh. “The opportunities she helped create for the diversity that makes us all stronger is a lasting legacy for this amazing pioneer.”
Governor Roy Cooper joined NCDOT leaders and other state and local dignitaries to dedicate a section of Interstate 85 for late civil rights activist Andrea L. Harris. (From left-to-right) are: State Board of Transportation member Valerie Jordan; Henderson City Manager Terrell Blackmon; Gov. Cooper; Harris’ niece, Alana Harris; NCDOT Deputy Secretary Ebony Pittman; and Church of Faith II Pastor Welton Barnes Sr.
Harris grew up in Henderson during the civil rights movement. In 1986, she co-founded a Durham-based economic development nonprofit that helped develop thousands of women and minority-owned businesses. For more than 25 years, Harris served as president of the North Carolina Institute for Minority Economic Development. Harris and her team provided businesses consulting and other supportive services and helped generate more than $1 billion in awards for minority businesses.
Among her achievements, Harris also helped create the North Carolina Senior Citizens Federation and Gateway Community Development Corporation, which provided resources to elderly and economically disadvantaged people in and around her native Vance County.
“She was passionate about helping others overcome barriers to economic growth and opportunity,” Ebony Pittman, the N.C. Department of Transportation’s deputy secretary for Business Administration, said. “I’m proud that as of today, everyone driving along three miles of Interstate 85 in Vance County will be reminded of the great contributions she had on her community and our state.”
In furthering Harris’ legacy, Cooper established the Andrea Harris Equity Task Force, a group of state leaders and others he appointed to address social, environmental, economic and health disparities in communities of color disproportionally impacted by COVID-19.
Harris, who was born in South Carolina and graduated from Bennett College in Greensboro, served on numerous boards and committees that advanced economic equity and inclusion. She earned a spot in the North Carolina Women’s Hall of Fame and received many awards, including The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which is among the most prestigious awards presented by the governor.
Alana Harris is a niece of Andrea Harris. She said having a highway named in her aunt’s honor will help spread her message.
“This highway dedication will be a perpetual reminder to every little black and brown child of their infinite potential,” Alana Harris said. “‘And if there isn’t a seat at the table,’ as my Aunt Andrea would say, ‘Take one anyway.’”
Apparently, $1 billion doesn’t go as far as it used to. At least as far as the S-Line passenger rail line goes, that number – a 1 followed by NINE zeroes – will get the train from Raleigh to as far north as Wake Forest. That’s still 28 miles or so from Henderson.
President Joe Biden and U.S. Department of Transportation announced last week that North Carolina would get a whopping $1.09 billion in federal grant money to build the first segment of the S-Line, a high-performance passenger rail line that will ultimately connect North Carolina with Virginia and points in the Northeast.
WIZS News spoke with NC DOT Rail Division Director Jason Orthner late last week to find out what the project means for the state, and for Henderson and Vance County – basically the halfway point between Raleigh and Richmond.
Orthner said Henderson is “a critical location on the line…(which, when completed) will be on one of the most advanced transportation networks in the country.”
The whole project covers 162 miles, Orthner said. While there is existing rail along many stretches, it’s a project that will need to be built in phases. If DOT engineer could wave a magic wand to create all the bridges and other structural components needed to bring the passenger rail service through the state, it surely would shorten the process.
Alas, state DOT officials are just trying to get the train out of Raleigh and north to Wake Forest in this first phase of the massive project.
“We will pursue grant funding and extend service as we do it,” Orthner said, adding that DOT is already planning for the next phases to reach Henderson and beyond.
As for Henderson’s part, Orthner said, being ready for what’s coming, he’s pleased. “We are really excited about Henderson,” he said.
City leaders have been learning about mobility hubs and transportation hubs as they prepare and plan for what passenger rail service can add to the city’s growth and tourism opportunities.
The trick is to use existing tracks up and down the East Coast for passenger rail service without impeding the freight service that uses the same railways.
Train travel is growing in popularity – there’s record ridership between Raleigh and Charlotte, Orthner noted – and he said there is a true interest by the public in rail transportation.
“It’s safe, productive, comfortable and it’s just really a great way to travel.”
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All signs point to growth for the city of Henderson in the not-too-distant future. Whether you’re talking new subdivisions or urban revitalization, bringing back passenger rail service or finally widening a major congested artery through a heavily commercial district, Henderson is getting ready for change.
Change is considered a necessary evil by some, a vital component for progress by others. Either way, most would agree that change is inevitable.
Drivers who make their way along Dabney Drive have long experienced backups and congestion, and the N.C. Department of Transportation has had a widening project on its State Transportation Improvement Plan for a while, but Henderson City Manager Terrell Blackmon said the project could see some activity soon.
Funding is in place for the project based on the current 2024-2033 STIP, Blackmon told WIZS News Tuesday via email.
The plan originally called for portions of Dabney Drive to become a divided highway, with plans for a “peanut” shaped roundabout at the intersection with South Garnett Street down to the Dorsey Road/Oxford Road area.
Blackmon said city leaders met with DOT officials on Nov. 2 to discuss the $56.7 million project, which will commence in January or February 2024 with a public meeting. If all goes according to the timeline, an environmental document would be ready by September of 2024, followed by right-of-way acquisition, with construction underway in 2028.
“Plans remain very similar to what was originally proposed,” Blackmon stated. The concept includes upgrading the existing Dabney Drive for eastbound traffic and use the existing Corbitt Road/former railroad corridor for westbound traffic, he added.
“Dabney Drive is a critical artery for the city of Henderson,” Blackmon told community leaders in July 2022 during his “State of the City” address. “That widening project needs to happen as soon as possible.”
View the STIP plan here and scroll down to page 59 for Dabney Drive project details.
Ten years sounds like a long time, but when you’re talking about completing major projects like the Dabney Drive expansion and creating a downtown train station for commuter and passenger rail, a decade can go by quickly.
In light of Sen. Thom Tillis’s announcement Tuesday of $1 billion being earmarked for the the S-Line corridor that will ultimately bring a stop in Henderson, the opportunity for even more downtown development and growth is almost certain.
City leaders are planning next steps for the location of a downtown train station that could serve as a springboard for Henderson to be a destination for train travelers to dine, see a show and enjoy other downtown amenities that haven’t even been thought of yet.
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More than 21 miles of local roadway will be updated across Franklin County beginning next spring.
The N.C. Department of Transportation recently awarded the work to Carolina Sunrock LLC of Raleigh. The $3.5 million contract includes milling, resurfacing and reconstructing shoulders along portions of seven roads. Work should start in March 2024 and will be completed in October 2025.
The following roads are included in the project:
The N.C. Dept. of Transportation has openings for more than a dozen jobs in the area, and representatives will be at NC Works Career Center next week to share information, accept applications and interview on the spot.
The hiring event will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the NC Works Career Center, located at 826 S. Garnett St. in Henderson.
The state DOT is looking to fill 17 positions, including six auto mechanic jobs in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Person counties, according to information from NCDOT Division 5 Road Maintenance Engineer Jonathan Arnold. Eleven additional transportation workers are needed – 10 in Franklin County and one in Vance County, Arnold noted.
“We are excited to partner with NC Works to host this hiring event for our 17 openings, and help job seekers in the area begin a great career start with NCDOT,” Arnold said in a press statement. “We are looking for qualified candidates who are passionate about making a difference in their community.”
Workstations will be available for candidates to apply the day of the event, and computers will be reserved for military veterans, who receive preference in the hiring process.
There are several websites to check out in advance of the hiring event:
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-Information courtesy of James Hicks, Franklin County Public Information Officer
Franklin County is set to receive $98 million from the NC DOT’s Transportation Improvement Program over the next decade, which translates into numerous transportation and bridge improvement projects, as well as at least one rails to trails project for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The NC DOT adopted the plan last month and Franklin County Manager Kim Denton said Franklin County’s $98 million piece of the pie will provide an economic boost.
“These transportation projects will help increase mobility in Franklin County and update the county’s transportation infrastructure,” Denton said. “Funding in the STIP will improve transportation in Franklin County and attract more economic development to the county.”
Following is a description of the projects and an anticipated date of completion:
U.S. Highway 401 widening between Flat Rock Church Road/Clifton Pond Road to Fox Park Road in Louisburg
This project will widen the existing two-lane road to four lanes and connect the four lanes at Fox Park Road in Louisburg to the newly constructed four lanes at Flat Rock Church Road and Clifton Pond Road in the Royal community. This nearly $55 million project has been given prioritization in the STIP with a projected Right-Of-Way schedule of 2028. Commonly referred to as Section D, this project will complete the widening of Highway 401 which began many years ago south of Rolesville in Wake County. The current widening project from NC 96 to Flat Rock Church Road/Clifton Pond Road is expected to be completed in the summer of 2023.
Triangle North Executive Airport runway extension with relocation of utilities, navaid and roadways
Fulfilling goals in the Triangle North Executive Airport Master Plan, this project will extend the existing airport runway as well as realign Airport Road to allow for hangar expansion along the runway. This $25 million project will aid in the expansion of Triangle North Executive Airport – which drives an annual economic impact of more than $28 million – and has been given prioritization in the STIP with a Right-Of-Way schedule of 2026.
Bickett Boulevard lane improvements from Burke Boulevard to Nash Street
This project will enhance mobility and improve safety by converting Bickett Boulevard from a five-lane section to a four-lane median divided roadway with accommodations for bicycle and pedestrian traffic. This $20 million project has been given prioritization in the STIP with a projected Right-Of-Way schedule of 2028.
Franklinton to Novozymes Rails to Trails
A joint project between Franklin County and the Town of Franklinton, this project converts an old railway corridor into a walkable and rideable trail. Spanning from the Franklinton Train Depot to Novozymes on Perry’s Chapel Road, this rails to trails project will increase mobility and provide a nice outdoor amenity to Franklin County. This $3.7 million project is expected to begin in 2023.
Bunn Road lane improvements from Kenmore Avenue to Bickett Boulevard
This project will reduce the lanes on Bunn Road from Kenmore Avenue to Bickett Boulevard from four lanes to two lanes. It will also make bicycle and pedestrian improvements. This project is expected to cost just over $600,000 and some improvements to that stretch of road began in 2022.
Bridge Replacements
Highway 56 West lane widening from Peach Orchard Road to Highway 401
This project will widen Highway 56 West from two lanes to four lanes from Bickett Boulevard/Highway 401 to Peach Orchard Road. The nearly $37 million project was included in the STIP for prioritization, but funds have not been identified to begin Right-Of-Way acquisition.
Franklin County is in NCDOT Division 5 which also includes Granville, Vance and Warren counties, among others. The County is also a part of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) and the Kerr-Tar Regional Planning Organization which submit projects to NCDOT for its planning areas.
The complete STIP for the state can be viewed here: https://www.ncdot.gov/initiatives-policies/Transportation/stip/Pages/about.aspx
Vance and Granville counties are two of a dozen counties across the state that will receive $9 million in federal funding to make safety improvements for pedestrians in downtown areas.
The NC Department of Transportation will administer projects under Walk NC: Creating Safer Crossings as part federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, or RAISE, program funds by the U.S. Department of Transportation, according to information from NCDOT.
The project, designated for economically disadvantaged areas, will add pedestrian countdown signals, crosswalks and accessible routes at signalized intersections in 15 communities, as well as add signal timing improvements and address some sidewalk gaps.
The project will put in place pedestrian safety improvements in towns identified by their poor pedestrian safety records. It will also increase transportation accessibility for many people without vehicles and prioritizes disadvantaged businesses by creating better connections in rural downtowns.
Other counties that will receive funding are Davidson, Rowan, Halifax, Wilson, Robeson, Chatham, Beaufort, Johnston, Lenoir and Richmond.
A couple of railroad crossings in the Henderson area will be closed for some planned maintenance in the next couple of weeks.
Southern Commercial Development made the announcement as it handles traffic control for CSX. SCD’s Chief Operations Officer Angela Nelis said her team will be creating a traffic detour during the closures. NC DOT crews will assist with paving the areas.
The Chavasse Avenue crossing is scheduled for maintenance beginning at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21. It will remain closed until Thursday, Feb. 23 at 5 p.m.
The crossing at St. Matthews Street is scheduled for work beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 and will remain closed until Wednesday, Mar. 1 at 5 p.m.
As a reminder, during this maintenance work, no vehicles will be able to cross the tracks.
