Interactive Study Area Map

Project Overview

NCDOT proposes to widen a 3.7 mile segment of U.S. 15-501 from its current configuration to a four-lane median divided facility.  

The proposed project would address current and future traffic congestion associated with the growing traffic volumes in the project area. The primary purpose of this project is to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve connectivity and mobility along the U.S. 15-501 corridor between the Pinehurst Traffic Circle and N.C. 73. 

As currently built, U.S. 15-501 within the project area shifts through multiple lane configurations including; undivided four-lane sections, three-lane sections featuring a center two-way left-turn lane, and two-lane undivided sections. The proposed project would widen the entire segment of U.S. 15-501 to a four-lane median divided facility throughout the project corridor. NCDOT is currently evaluating two widening alternatives, described below.

• Best Fit Alignment: Widen U.S. 15-501 to four-lane median divided facility utilizing a best fit alignment. In general, a best fit alignment means the widening could occur on either side (east or west) of the existing alignment or symmetrically (widening to both sides of the existing alignment).
• West Widening: Widen U.S. 15-501 to four-lane median divided facility with proposed new lanes constructed west of the existing U.S. 15-501 alignment.

Both alternatives would also incorporate safety enhancements along the corridor, targeting high-conflict intersections to decrease crash frequency and severity. Updated intersection configurations would also improve traffic flow, reducing corridor bottlenecks during peak travel hours. The project will modernize the overall infrastructure by replacing deteriorating culverts, improving roadside drainage, and wider paved shoulders to accommodate emergency stopping.

The project is identified in the 2026 – 2035 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and is currently funded by State Highway Trust funds. The project was originally identified in the Moore County 2020 Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP).

Project Maps

(coming soon)

Typical Sections

(coming soon)

Project Funding: 

Estimated cost are subject to change*

Project Timeline:

Dates are subject to change*

Comments

NCDOT accepts comments throughout all phases of project development.  

All comments will be taken into consideration, and carry equal weight, regardless of submittal method.

To submit comments for consideration during the current phase of project development,

please submit before October 13, 2026

The public is encouraged to leave comments using this webpage, email, or phone number:

Email: 15-501-widening@publincinput.com

Phone Number:  984-205-6615   enter project code 11106

Morgan Dewit

Division Project Team Lead

NCDOT Highway Division 8

121 DOT Drive

Carthage, NC 28327

Matthew Potter

Consultant Project Development Engineer

Pinecone Transportation Professionals

121 DOT Drive

Carthage, NC 28327

Title VI Feedback

To ensure we’re hearing from a broad set of voices, would you be willing to share (completely anonymously) some information about yourself?

If so, please click here https://publicinput.com/NCDOT-Title-VI-Form

RESOURCES FOR PROPERTY OWNERS 

Although the N.C. Department of Transportation works to minimize the number of homes and businesses displaced by a road project, it is inevitable, in many cases, that a certain amount of private property is needed. The following information explains right of way acquisition and answers questions about the process.  

     
Right-of-Way Brochure Single Page Layout      Folleto del Proceso de Adquisición de Bienes Raíces
Right-of-Way Frequently Asked Questions

Right of way Acquisition Process Videos

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