WINDSOR – The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will hold a pre-hearing open house followed by a public hearing on the proposed U.S. 17 Bypass in Windsor on Thursday, Jan. 15 in the Bertie County Council on Aging Senior Center.

The open house will be from 5-7 p.m. with the formal public hearing beginning at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center, located at 103 West School Street in Windsor. Individuals who wish to speak during the public hearing may pre-register during the open house or immediately prior to the hearing. Others wishing to speak will be given the opportunity after those who pre-register.

NCDOT proposes to construct an 8.7-mile bypass of existing U.S. 17 on the north side of Windsor from south of the existing U.S. 13/U.S. 17 intersection to the existing section of U.S. 17 near Davis Road (S.R. 1503). A four-lane, median-divided roadway is proposed for the entire project. Under the proposal, the segment from the U.S. 13/U.S. 17 intersection will follow the existing U.S. 13 alignment to the King Street/U.S. 13 intersection. From this point, the proposed roadway will be on a new location with interchanges proposed at the King Street/U.S. 13 intersection and at Wakelon Road (S.R. 1001).

Bridges will be constructed over the Cashie River and adjacent wetlands. Greens Cross Road (S.R. 1300) will be realigned and bridged over the proposed U.S. 17 Bypass. Near Davis Road, the existing U.S. 17 will connect with the new U.S. 17 Bypass with an at-grade intersection. As part of the project, the existing U.S. 13/U.S. 17 intersection will be realigned. Additional right-of-way and the relocation of homes and businesses will be required for this project.

The hearing will feature an explanation of the proposed location, design, right-of-way requirements and procedures along with relocation advisory assistance.

A copy of the State Final Environmental Impact Statement and a map showing the location and design of the project are available for public review at the Windsor Town Hall at 128 King Street.

Representatives from NCDOT will be available to answer questions and receive comments from the public about the proposed project. For more information, contact Len Hendricks at (919) 715-1594, by FAX at (919) 715-1501, via email lhendricks@dot.state.nc.us or write to and reference TIP project number R-2404A. Additional materials may be submitted for a period of 15 days from the date of the hearing to:

LEN HENDRICKS

1583 MAIL SERVICE CENTER

RALEIGH, N.C. 27699-1583

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in this workshop. Anyone requiring special services should contact Len Hendricks at the above address or phone number or fax (919) 715-1522 as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.