Department of Transportation presents bypass, avenue plan
The East interchange for the proposed bypass may be built near Penny Road. Photo by Patrick Normile
By Trevor Normile
BEULAVILLE— Area business owners escaped the sweltering summer heat in late June at a presentation in the Beulaville Fire Department in which engineers with the North Carolina Department of Transportation proposed renovations to the infrastructure of the town. The plan includes plans for a bypass north of town and to expand Main Street’s capacity by five to 10,000 vehicles.
According to Scotty Summerlin, Beulaville Town Manager, the Planning Board looked at three separate alternatives, including two routes south of town, but the north route affected less wetlands and personal property.
He went on to say that the purpose of the plan was to anticipate traffic deficiencies in future years, and would cost around $83.5 million.
The bypass may be four miles long, with an interchange will on highway 24 past Penny Road, and which will rejoin the highway an eighth of a mile past Sandlin Road (traveling West). With swampy areas surrounding (but not affecting) the route, business owners will have little incentive to build near it, further preventing congestion.
Although the plans for a bypass and boulevard received the most attention at the meeting, also included in the plan are suggestions for pedestrian walkways, public transit, bicycle paths and medians.
Eatman said that while foot traffic will increase, people may have to work together in adapting. “Some businesses may have to share driveways,” he said.
Pizza Village owner Bill Nobles expressed the hesitance that many felt when presented with the possible change in Beulaville’s layout, “before I could make an informed opinion, I’d have to learn more.” He went on to say, “naturally I’m concerned, but I’m not terrified of the idea.”
For many, the attractiveness of the plan is in its fluidity, as the plan will have to adapt to an infrastructure which should and probably will be changed.
Local business owner Michael “Hutch” Jones voiced concerns about early signs of congestion. He said, “I think there is enough give and take to the process, and it’ll be a detriment to the town not to accept it. I think it’s a slam dunk right now.”
According to Eatman, if the plan is to be adopted, it will only serve as a template for the town to adapt to any changes in traffic and population. Since there is currently no need for a bypass, the plans likely won’t come to fruition for another 20 to 30 years, depending on factors such as population increase and funding.
For now however, the paralyzing heat of the North Carolina summer may only motivate those who do not wish to be caught in rush hour traffic.
