AHOSKIE – A modified version of the much-debated Ahoskie Bypass is in the planning stages.

Last summer, officials with the North Carolina Department of Transportation announced the start-up of development, environmental and engineering studies for US 13/NC 11 from the 11/561 intersection near the Ahoskie Inn to the US 13/158 and NC 45 intersection near Winton.

The 7.8 mile project involves the widening of US 13/NC 11 and converting existing intersections to interchanges.

Now, DOT is moving forward with that proposal and have announced they will conduct a Citizens Informational Workshop from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27 at Bearfield Primary School.

DOT officials said the planned improvements are necessary due to the accident rate along N.C. 11 and U.S. 13 being higher than the statewide average.  No designs have been prepared yet for the project and only general information will be available at this workshop. However, the project is included in the 2009-2015 DOT Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and is scheduled for right-of-way acquisition and construction in 2017 and 2019 respectively.

There may be a need to locate portions of the four-lane roadway at a new location. Additionally, due to the new roadway deemed as “limited control access” there will be issues with driveways. Those issues will be part of next week’s workshop.

NCDOT representatives will be available at the workshop in an informal, open house style setting to answer questions and gather public input regarding the proposed project. Interested citizens may drop by any time during the meeting to view the project maps and discuss the project.  NCDOT representatives will be available in an informal setting to answer questions and receive comments regarding the proposed project.  The opportunity to submit written comments or questions will be provided and is encouraged. There will not be a formal presentation.

For more information, contact Kim Gillespie, NCDOT Project Planning Engineer, at 1548 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1548, via phone at (919) 707-6023, or email at klgillespie@ncdot.gov.  Citizens may also contact Eddie McFalls, AECOM, at (919) 854-6211 or eddie.mcfalls@aecom.com.

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who want to participate in this workshop. Anyone requiring special services should contact Gillespie as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.