HL-0008Q: Optimist Farm Rd at Bells Lake Rd
HL-0008Q: Optimist Farm Rd at Bells Lake Rd
The N.C. Department of Transportation proposes to add left-turn lanes at the intersection of Optimist Farm Road and Bells Lake Road.
Interactive Project Area Map:
Project Overview
The N.C. Department of Transportation is proposing roadway improvements at the intersection of Optimist Farm Road (S.R. 1390) and Bells Lake Road (S.R. 1386). The purpose of this project is to relieve congestion and improve traffic operations to an acceptable level of service. The project proposes to install a signal and construct left-turn lanes on all approaches of the intersection.
In 2020, Optimist Farm Road had an average daily volume of 4,600 to 7,500 vehicles per day and Bells Lake Road had a 2020 average daily volume of 4,600 to 5,300 vehicles per day. None of the approaching legs at the study intersection have dedicated turn lanes to allow turning vehicles to move out of the through travel lane. The goal of this project is to improve traffic flow and operations on Optimist Farm Road and Bells Lake Road.
Project History
The Strategic Transportation Investments (STI) law includes a provision for a funding allocation to local governments based on funding contributed by the local government to transportation projects or revenue from tolling. This bonus allocation can be used to fund the construction of other eligible highway projects.
Early in 2020, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) received notice from NCDOT that there would be a bonus allocation to CAMPO from the N.C. 540 project. This intersection project was one of several selected by CAMPO for the bonus allocation funding. NCDOT began project development work in early 2021.
Project Funding
| Estimated Amount* |
| Project Development & Design | $ 250,000 |
| Right of Way Acquisition | $ 360,000 |
| Construction | $ 2,700,000 |
| Total Cost | $ 3,310,000 |
* Estimated costs are subject to change
Project Timeline
Milestone | Date* |
| Environmental Document | March 2023 |
| Right of Way Acquisition | October 2023 |
| Utility Relocation | May 2024 |
| Construction Begins | Summer 2025 |
* Future dates are preliminary and subject to change
PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION
Mike Kneis, PE
NCDOT Highway Division 5
2612 N. Duke Street
Durham, NC 27704
OptimistFarm-BellsLake@publicinput.com
984-205-6615 Code 8385
PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION
Henry Phillips
Project Manager - Ramey Kemp Associates
5808 Faringdon Place
Raleigh, NC 27609
OptimistFarm-BellsLake@publicinput.com
984-205-6615 Code 8385
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS
Comments may be submitted below, via phone, email (OptimistFarm-BellsLake@PublicInput.com), or U.S. Mail to the Project Manager listed above
or by phone (984-205-6615 enter project code 8385)
All comments received carry equal weight, regardless of submission method.
All comments will be reviewed and suggestions/recommendations
incorporated into designs where feasible.
Title VI Feedback
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If so, please click here: https://publicinput.com/NCDOT-Title-VI
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