'Superstreet' Proposal Gets A Public Meeting In Boone

A special meeting next week is set to discuss a major road project the state is planning in Boone. But disagreement over a proposed median on N.C. 105 could impact the project's timeline.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation wants to make improvements to a nearly two-mile stretch of N.C. 105. The $10.5 million “superstreet” would include bike lanes on both sides, new crosswalks and lighting. Sidewalks are also being discussed.

David Uchiyama, a spokesman with the agency, says a median and other changes are necessary to accommodate the area's growing population.

“So it's not just the increased congestion. The crash rate is far too high. It's above the state average,” says Uchiyama. “As a matter of fact, it's almost double the statewide average for similar roads.”

But a proposed median is raising concerns from local residents, who say it could hurt access to area businesses.  Boone Town Council has invited NCDOT and the community to a meeting on Tuesday to talk about the project.

Uchiyama says it's possible that right of way acquisition for the project would begin later this year and construction would follow two years later.

If an agreement isn't reached with local officials, money for the superstreet in Boone could be redirected to another project in the state or region.

Follow WFDD's Keri Brown on Twitter @kerib_news