Public meeting on proposed Columbus roadwork to take place Tuesday

COLUMBUS — The North Carolina Department of Transportation has scheduled another construction project between St. Luke’s Hospital and downtown Columbus, which is intended to replace the roundabouts and bridge over Interstate 26.

A public meeting to present the initial design will be from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Isothermal Community College-Polk Campus, located at 1255 W. Mills St., Columbus.

NCDOT Communications Officer for the western Mountains Area David Uchiyama said this week that the project is estimated to cost $8.7 million, with $1 million for right of way acquisition and $7.7 million in construction.

Rights of way purchases are expected to begin in March 2019, with construction slated for January 2021, Uchiyama said.

The bridge over Interstate 26 is 52 years old, according to the NCDOT. The roundabouts at the bridge are also out of date.

The project will include replacing the bridge, widening Highway 108 to three lanes, expanding the roundabouts to two lanes, improvements to the curb and gutter, adding new sidewalks, and extending the outside lanes to 14 feet to accommodate bicycles.

NCDOT Division 14 Engineer Brian Burch said this project is the second phase of a plan to upgrade the area of I-26, U.S. 74 and Highway 108.

“It’s nice to see the first phase going so well and along our plans to finish this fall,” Burch said.

The state is currently building new ramps, so drivers do not have to exit at the roundabouts to access U.S. 74 from I-26. The U.S. 74 project — estimated to cost $19 million — is scheduled for completion prior to the World Equestrian Games at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in mid-September.

The state also has plans to widen Highway 108 between Columbus and Tryon, with two bridge replacements and 12 turn lanes. The plan’s current form has been met with opposition from many local residents, as well as the town of Tryon and Polk County Board of Commissioners.

Uchiyama said the state will construct a new bridge and roundabouts over I-26 beginning in 2021, with minimal effects to businesses. The vacant former service station adjacent to Tractor Supply will be the most affected, with at least the pumps and tanks needing removal, he said.

Uchiyama added that, although the bridge needs to be replaced, it is currently structurally sound.

“Here, the bridge has to be replaced and the hybrid roundabouts tie directly to the bridge,” Burch said. “Widening will help traffic operations now and into the future, while the bicycle and pedestrian facilities will help those who walk and bike.”

Tuesday’s meeting will have a drop-in format, with NCDOT officials available to answer questions and take comments about the project. Comments will also be accepted by phone, email and mail until June 22.

NCDOT officials said all comments will be considered as the project develops.

Comments for this project can be sent to Dave Wilver at I4729B@threeoaksengineering.com or by calling 919-326-6359.

More information can also be obtained from NCDOT Division 14 Project Engineer Kenneth “Mac” McDowell at 253 Webster Road, Sylva, N.C. 28779 or kjmcdowell@ncdot.gov.

Click here to see a large map of the project.