News

Vote now to rank road projects

By Lightning Reports, Published: July 25, 2019

The Henderson County Transportation Advisory Committee wants people to participate now in helping rank road projects that may be built years from now. The advisory board is starting a process now that lasts through next year to identify and prioritize road improvement work for the next update of the State Transportation Improvement Plan. Motorists can fill out a survey now to rank road projects.

In a discussion last week on how the advisory committee could better tell the public about proposed highway project and get their input, Laurel Park Town Council member George Banta said those who are fine with road improvements have no reason to show up and say so.
“My concern is we always hear from the negative side and I don’t how we get the people here to tell us,” he said. “With the gridlock we have, people want to move from place to place quicker and faster but they don’t show up (at meetings). They’re more interested in what’s for dinner. I sympathize with people that live right on 191. They’re impacted the most. But the people that live in the southern part of the county and want to get to the northern part of the county, they would like a 4-lane.”
The county is currently surveying residents on their highest ranked priorities for roadwork. With 339 respondents as of last Wednesday, the highest ranked projects were:
1. U.S. 64, from South Rugby to Banner Farm Road.
2. Duncan Hill-Signal Hill.
3. Blythe Street from N.C. 191 to U.S. 64.
4. State Street from Hebron Road to Kanuga Road.
5. Erkwood Drive from Kanuga Road to Greenville Highway.
6. U.S. 64 from Buncombe Street to Brickyard Road.
7. Butler Bridge Road from U.S. 25 to N.C. 280.

Click here for the survey.