WINTON – With a major improvement project scheduled locally for US 158/US 13, North Carolina Department of Transportation officials want to hear from Roanoke-Chowan area citizens.

NCDOT has planned to widen, to four lanes, a stretch of US 158/US 13 between Winton and Tar Heel Barbecue. In an effort to supply local citizens with project information, a Pre-Hearing Open House and Public Hearing is scheduled for Thursday, August 19 at the Hertford County Commissioners’ Meeting Room in County Office Building Number One – Room 222, 704 North King St, Winton.

NCDOT representatives will be available at the Pre-Hearing Open House between the hours of 4-6:30 p.m. to answer questions and receive comments relative to the proposed project. The opportunity to submit written comments or questions will also be provided. Interested citizens may attend at any time during the above mentioned hours.

A formal presentation will begin at 7 p.m. The presentation will consist of an explanation of the proposed corridor location, design, right of way acquisition, relocation requirements/procedures, and the state-federal relationship. The hearing will be open to those present for statements, questions and comments. The presentation and comments will be recorded and a transcript will be prepared.

The purpose of this hearing is for NCDOT representatives to provide information, answer questions, and accept written comments regarding this project. NCDOT proposes to widen US158/US 13 from the intersection of the two highways near Winton, extending to an intersection at Tar Heel Barbecue in Gates County where the two roads split and go their separate ways.

The project is about five miles long and involves widening US 158/US 13 to a four-lane, median divided facility.

A map displaying the location and design of the project and a copy of the environmental document, State Environmental Assessment (SEA), are available for public review at the NCDOT Resident Engineer’s Office, 154 NC 42 West, Ahoskie; and the Hertford County Offices, 704 North King Street, Winton, 27986. The maps are available for viewing online at www.albemarlecommission.org/RPO%20Hearing%20Maps.htm.

Anyone desiring additional information may contact Kimberly Hinton, Human Environment Unit, at 1598 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1598, phone:(919) 431-1682, fax: (919) 431-2002, or email: khinton@ncdot.gov. Additional material may be submitted until September 7, 2010.

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