News

NCDOT starting tree removal for U.S. 64 project in Laurel Park

By Lightning Reports, Published: February 1, 2024

LAUREL PARK — N.C. Department of Transportation crews will begin clearing trees and vegetation along U.S. 64 from White Pine Road to Blythe Street as early as Monday, Feb. 5.

Crews will fell trees, remove limbs and stack trunks to be hauled away during the six-week operation. NCDOT crews will control traffic on site where short delays may be necessary, but no closures are anticipated during morning and evening commuting hours.

Later this spring, utility crews will begin moving utility lines ahead of a construction project that will reduce crashes and improve traffic flow. During construction, slated to begin later this year, a contractor will install 12-foot-wide travel lanes, a 5-foot bike lane in both directions, 5-foot sidewalks on both sides and roundabouts at three intersections and add turn lanes in all four directions at Blythe Street.

“We are delighted to see all of our coordination with the municipalities involved coming to fruition,” Division 14 Project Team Lead Jeanette White said. “Drivers and residents will finally see the efforts of planners and designers in the coming weeks and months as clearing, utility-line relocation, and finally construction, begin to commence.”

Transportation officials remind drivers to remain alert and obey all traffic instructions in the work zone.

“Safety is our top priority,” White said. “This project improves safety for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers, and we hope folks are cautious during all work activities.”