NC DOT Holds Public Hearing on Proposed Highway 87 Widening
by Joy Warren

NC Department of Transportation held it's first public hearing tonight regarding the proposed to improve Highway 87 from Elizabethtown to Riegelwood. The hearing tonight was the first step to include the public as a part of the project development process. An informational session was held from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., for citizens to view maps, ask questions and give their feedback. A formal presentation was given at 7:00 p.m. Several citizens from Bladen and Columbus counties spoke regarding the proposed plan. Most of the speakers were not in favor of the proposal. Greg Elkins,
Planning Director for the County of Bladen, spoke in favor of the proposal as it would help with the economic development of the county. Planning and environmental studies on the project were provided in the state Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The proposed project is a State Funded Highway Project. Financing of this project will be funded through the Highway Trust Fund.

The proposal includes widening the existing two-lane roadway to a four-lane
roadway with a 46-foot median for most of its 30 mile length. Interchanges
are proposed at NC 11 and US 74-76. Relocatees projected for the project
include 81-91 residential and 13-28 Businesses. There are two alternatives
being studied for this improvement:

  -  *Alternative A* would widen existing NC 87 from the Elizabethtown Bypass
  to US 74-76 along the existing NC 87 route. (Estimated cost of $225,210,000
  for construction and right-of-way)
  -  *Alternative B *would widen existing NC 87 from the Elizabethtown Bypass
  to NC 11, rerouting NC 87 along NC 11 and continuing east to US 74-76.
  (Estimated cost of 223,975,000 for construction and right-of-way)

In addition to the alternatives, there are two segments with options being
considered to widen to either the east or west side for the following
segments:

  -  *Segment 1 *includes Bladen Springs Road to Donoho Creek widening to
  East; Drunken Run Creek to Donoho Creek - widening to West
  -  *Segment 2* includes Baltimore Road to East Arcadia Elementary School
  widening to East; Baltimore Road to Flowers Settlement Road - widening to
  West

Maps are available for viewing online at:
http://www.ncdot.gov/doh/preconstruct/highway/roadway/hearingmaps_

by_county/county/Columbus.html

The current project schedule is as follows:

  -  Elizabethtown Bypass to SR 1730 (Elwell Ferry Road) – begin Right-of-way
  after 2020 and begin construction after 2020
  -  Elwell Ferry Road to NC 11 – begin right-of-way 2020 and begin construction after 2020
  -  NC 11 to US 74-76 – begin right-of-way 2015 and begin construction 2017


NC DOT officials shared information regarding right-of-way procedures. After decisions are made on the final design, the proposed right-of-way limits will be staked in the ground. An affected property owner will be contacted by a Right-of-way Agent. The Agent will inform property owner of their rights and if permanent right-of-way is required, professionals will evaluate or appraise the property and a written offer will be made. The current market value of the property at its highest and best use when appraised will be offered as compensation. The DOT must treat all owners and tenants equally; fully explain the owner's rights; pay just compensation in exchange for property rights; and furnish relocation advisory assistance.