Opinions Sought on Skewed Intersection Improvements for project in Gamewell

NORTH WILKESBORO, NC (March 19, 2019) — Two different preliminary designs by the N.C. Department of Transportation to improve a sharp-angle intersection on U.S. 64/N.C. 18 in Gamewell will be available at a public meeting this week.

NCDOT public meeting Thursday in Gamewell…

NCDOT engineers are developing designs to improve safety at the intersection of Calico Road and U.S. 64/N.C. 18 and the project team would like public feedback on the two different options.

This project is supported by the Greater Hickory Metropolitan Planning Organization for funding after NCDOT initiated the project.

The first option is a roundabout that allows for a continuous flow of traffic while increasing safety by reducing the possibility of T-bone and head-on collisions. The second option creates two new intersections — one north of the highway and one to the south — with stop signs for traffic from Calico Road and turn lanes for traffic turning onto the secondary road.

Additional information and a map of proposed improvements are available at the NCDOT public meetings website.

Draft designs of the two plan concepts will be presented at the public meeting from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, at Gamewell Elementary School, 2904 Morganton Boulevard SW, Lenoir.

NCDOT representatives will be available to explain the design, answer question and listen to comments.

The public may submit comments and questions at the meeting, or via phone or email or mail until April 4th. For further information or to submit comments, contact Three Oaks Engineering Senior Transportation Planning Engineer Karen B. Taylor at karen.taylor@threeoaksengineering.com or 919-247-5683 or 324 Blackwell Street, Suite 1200, Durham, North Carolina 27701.

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in this meeting. Anyone requiring special services should contact Tony Gallagher at magallagher@ncdot.gov or 919-707-6069 as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.

Persons who do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior to the meeting by calling 1-800-481-6494.

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