Project Overiew & Purpose

The purpose of the proposed project is to alleviate exisiting congestion and improve travel conditions along N.C. 160 (Steele Creek Road) within the project limits. The level of service (LOS) of a roadway is the measure of its traffic carrying ability. Levels of service range from A to F, "A" being the best scenario with unrestricted maneuverability and operating speeds, and "F" being the worst scenario where travel on a roadway is characterized by "stop and go" conditions. Six of the signalized intersections along the project operate at Level of Service (LOS) E or F during the AM or PM peak period. For the 2040 No-Build conditition, with no improvements along the corridor, congestion and delays are anticipated to increase in both peak periods. 

Other desirable outcomes of the project are to improve travel conditions through the area and enhance bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. 

 

N.C. 160 Proposed Widening Project Video Overview

Project Design Concept

The project proposes to widen N.C. 160 from two lanes to a four-lane median divided roadway the length of the project. While several of the existing intersections will remain as traditional full movement intersections, NCDOT is studying various intersection treatments at the remaining intersections, including reduced conflict intersections and a continuous flow intersection at N.C. 160 and N.C. 49 (S. Tryon Street).

Traffic will be maintained within the existing corridor during construction.

The project design concept may be revised based on comments received from the public, local officials, and resource/regulatory agencies. The maps are subject to change due to the potential for design modifications during the planning process.

 

What is a Michigan Left Reduced Conflict Intersection (Michigan Left RCI)?

Where a Michigan Left is in place, left turns at the intersection, from either the main road or the side road, are not allowed. Instead, to turn left, drivers must go straight or turn right to enter the flow of traffic, then they pull into a dedicated lane to make a U-turn. There may be a traffic signal at this location.

Benefits of a Michigan Left RCI:

  • Safety - typically reduces left-turn and angle-type crashes (the most severe types of crashes)
  • Reduces congestion
  • Improves traffic flow, allowing residents and other customers easier access to businesses
  • Improves roadway operations

 

What is a Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI)? 

With the most common type of RCI, drivers on the main road follow their usual paths, but raised medians redirect drivers from the side road. When there is a safe opening in traffic, drivers turn right to enter the flow of traffic on the main route. To go the other direction, or cross the highway, they pull into a dedicated lane, typically less than 1,000 feet away, to make a U‑turn. There may be a traffic signal at this location. Improved traffic flow is possible by simplifying traffic signal phasing and allowing both directions of traffic to move simultaneously.

 

Benefits of an RCI:

  • Simplifies how traffic is moved through the area, making travel safer and quicker
  • Improves safety for motorists and pedestrians, by limiting the number of conflict points
  • Accommodates more traffic volume without increased delays
  • Allows for the City or NCDOT to adjust the timing of the traffic signals to control the speed at which drivers move through the corridor 

 

What is a Reverse Reduced Conflict Intersection (Reverse RCI)? 

With a Reverse RCI, drivers on the main road will not be able to make a left-turn directly onto the side road. Instead, drivers will enter a dedicated lane to make a U-turn on the main road and then make a right-turn to continue onto the side road.

A Reverse RCI allows drivers to turn left from the side road directly onto the main road. A Reverse RCI is typically common at intersections when the side road experiences high left turn volumes which may overwhelm the U-turn. 

 

Benefits of a Reverse RCI: 

  • Simplifies how traffic is moved through the area, making travel safer and quicker
  • Removes most of the crossing conflicts, typically resulting in less severe crashes

 

What is a Continuous Flow Intersection (CFI)?

A continuous flow intersection (CFI) is an alternative intersection design to a traditional intersection. At a traditional intersection, left-turning traffic is located in the middle of the road, so oncoming through traffic must wait for vehicles to turn left. A continuous flow intersection shifts left-turning traffic to the outer section of the road, allowing left-turning and oncoming through traffic to move simultaneously.

A CFI can help alleviate congestion while increasing travel capacity by redirecting the flow of left-turning traffic and simplifying traffic signal phasing. Pedestrians and bicyclists can also safely navigate the intersection utilizing the designated crosswalks.

Benefits of a CFI:

  • Improves mobility and safety by allowing vehicles to move more efficiently through an intersection
  • Alleviates congestion while increasing travel capacity

Estimated Project Cost

This project is listed as Project U-5766 in the N.C. Department of Transportation’s State Transportation Improvement Program and is funded for $62.6 million.

Tentative Project Schedule

Project U-5766 is shown in the N.C. Department of Transportation’s State Transportation Improvement Program.  The current milestone dates are shown below.

Public Involvement

Public involvement is an integral part of the planning process. 

NCDOT encourages citizen involvement on transportation projects, and will consider your suggestions and address your concerns,


 

Maps presented at both the August 19th and August 21st Public Meetings

Map 1: South Carolina Line to North of Hamilton Road 

Map 2: North of Hamilton Road to N.C. 49

Map 2a: N.C. 49 and N.C. 160 Intersection

Map 3: N.C. 49 to North of Sledge Road

Map 4: North of Sledge Road to NS Railroad

Map 5: NS Railroad to North of Steele Meadow Road

Map 6: North of Steel Meadow Road to Shopton Road West

Map 7: Shopton Road West to I-485

Comments/Questions

 

Comments may be submitted below, via phone, email (SteeleCreek-Widening@publicinput.com), or U.S. Mail to the Project Manager listed below, or at any meeting. 

All comments received carry equal weight, regardless of submission method. 

All comments will be reviewed and suggestions/recommendations

incorporated into designs where feasible.  

 

 

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION   

                 

Brian Query, P.E.

Project Manager

NCDOT Highway Division 10

12033 East Independence Blvd, Suite H

Matthews, NC  28105

980-262-6294

Question title

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

Question title

Please drop a pin on the map to indicate where you live in relation to the project.

Question title

Please check the corresponding box regarding your overall opinion of the proposed project.

Support the Project
48%
Support the Project with Revisions
36%
Oppose the Project
12%
No Opinion
3%
Closed to responses | 66 Responses

Question title

Do you have comments on the proposed widening of N.C. 160 (Steele Creek Road)? If so, please explain.

Closed for Comments

 

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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