CONWAY — Need to learn more about the proposed widening of US 158 in Northampton County?

If so, you are urged to attend an event scheduled for here today (Tuesday) at the Conway Middle School cafeteria.

The N.C. Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing and pre-hearing open house on Tuesday, Sept. 30, for proposed improvements to U.S. 158 in Northampton County.

The pre-hearing open house will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Citizens are invited to drop in and speak individually with NCDOT officials as well as review project plans.

The public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. in the same location. The hearing will begin with a brief overview of the project, followed by a question and answer period. Comments and suggestions received will be considered as project plans are refined.

Conway Middle School is located at 400 East Main Street.

NCDOT proposes to widen the existing U.S. 158 to a four-lane, median-divided roadway from the Interstate 95/N.C. 46 interchange to the Murfreesboro Bypass. The alternatives under consideration will utilize the existing highway in some sections, while other sections will be constructed on a new location.

Maps showing the design alternatives along the length of the entire project corridor and a copy of the State Draft Environmental Impact Statement are available for public review at the following locations:

Garysburg Town Hall, 504 Old Highway Road, Garysburg; and

Jackson Cultural Wellness Center, 9536 N.C. 305, Jackson.

For more information, contact Ed Lewis at (919) 715-1593 or via e-mail at elewis@ncdot.gov.

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who want to participate in these meetings. Anyone requiring special services should contact Lewis at the above phone number or e-mail as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.