Alternative 2 (Roundabout design) Selected as the Preferred Alternative

Based on an evaluation of impacts and input provided by the community and local officials, NCDOT has selected Alternative 2 as the Preferred Alternative.  Alternative 2 would replace the existing signalized intersection with a hybrid roundabout.  For NCDOT’s response to public comments click HERE.   Refer to the Project Timeline below on this webpage, for scheduled right-of-way acquisition and construction dates. 

Project Overview:

The N.C. Department of Transportation proposes improvements to the intersection of N.C. 54 (East Harden Street) at N.C. 49 (East Elm Street) in Graham, Alamance County. 

The purpose of the project is to improve traffic operations and pedestrian accessibility.  Two alternatives are being evaluated. Both alternatives are viable, and will receive equal consideration.

  • Alternative No. 1 would:

    • provide 12-foot travel lanes through the intersection

    • add concrete medians at all approaches to the intersection

    • increase the length of turn lanes to provide additional vehicle storage capacity

    • add an additional dedicated left turn lane for southbound East Elm Street

    • provide 5-foot sidewalks on both sides of East Harden Street and East Elm Street throughout the extent of the project

    • provide pedestrian crosswalks 

To reduce vehicle conflicts near the intersection, the existing connection between Walker Avenue and East Elm Street would be eliminated. 

 

  • Alternative No. 2 would:

    • replace the existing signalized intersection with a hybrid roundabout intersection

    • provide 12-foot travel lanes 

    • provide a dual left-turn through the roundabout for the southbound East Elm Street to eastbound East Harden Street movement 

    • add a dedicated right turn “slip lane” for westbound East Harden Street, allowing free flow movement through the roundabout for traffic heading north on East Elm Street   

    • provide 5-foot sidewalks on both sides of East Harden Street and East Elm Street throughout the extent of the project

    • provide pedestrian crosswalks

To reduce vehicle conflicts near the intersection, the existing connection between Walker Avenue and East Elm Street would be eliminated. 

Public Input:

Due to Covid 19, NCDOT has suspended in-person meetings.  Information was provided to the public in a virtual format on this website beginning April 12, 2021. The public is encouraged to provide comments or share their thoughts regarding the proposed alternatives concepts below

 

Comments may be submitted below, via email to NC54-NC49-Graham@publicinput.com or by calling 855-925-2801 and entering project code 8358

The comment period for the current, alternative selection phase of project development closed on May 10, 2021.  

Public Meeting Map:

Map 1 Alternate 1 East Harden St at East Elm St

 Map 2 Alternate 2 East Harden St at East Elm St 


 A video explaining how to read a public hearing or meeting map can be viewed below. The video contains information on colors used and symbology.

 

 

Roundabouts in North Carolina

 

 

 

Project Funding:

This project is listed as Project U-6017 in the N.C. Department of Transportation’s State Transportation Improvement Program  (STIP) and is funded for $ 3,260,000 million. Updated cost estimates have been prepared and are shown below.

 Activity

 Estimated Costs by Alternative*

  Cost Category

 Alternative No. 1

Alternative No. 2

  Utilities**

 $ 700,000

$ 400,000

  Property Acquisition**

 $ 7,300,000

$ 1,700,000

  Construction Costs

 $ 2,500,000

$ 2,100,000

  Total Cost

$10,500,000

$ 4,200,000

* Estimated costs are subject to change. Based on currently adopted NCDOT STIP.

 

Project Timeline:

 

Milestone

    Date*

Begin Project Planning and Development of Preliminary Designs

March 2019

Public Outreach

April 2021

Refine Designs and Select Preferred Alternative

April 2021 - June 2021

Complete Environmental Document 

 October 2021

Right-of-Way Acquisition Begins

February 2022

Begin Construction  

 April 2024

* Future dates subject to change. 

Comments:

 

NCDOT accepts comments throughout all planning, design and construction phases of project development.

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

Comments for the current, alternative selection phase of project development were submitted by May 10, 2021.

 

 

Question title

Would you like to be added to the project email or text list?

Question title

Which best describes how often you use this intersection? (Choose one)

Often (every day)
62%
Regularly (at least once per week)
29%
Sometimes (at least once per month)
10%
Not Often (Less than once per month)
0%
Closed to responses | 52 Responses

Question title

How do you travel through this intersection? (choose all that apply)

Drive or ride with someone else
98%
Walk or run
17%
Bicycle
2%
Closed to responses | 47 Responses

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION

Chris Smitherman

Project Engineer

NCDOT Highway Division 7

1584 Yanceyville Street

Greensboro, NC  27405

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION

Ed Robbins

Project Consultant

Parsons Transportation

5540 Centerview Drive, Suite 217

Raleigh, NC  27606

Project Email Address: NC54-NC49-Graham@PublicInput.com

 Phone Number: (855) 925-2801 Code: 8358

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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