Interactive Study Area Map

Project Overview

The N.C. Department of Transportation proposes to improve U.S. 221 by widening U.S. 221 and adding a grass median from Goose Creek Road (S.R. 1153) to north of the I-40/U.S. 221 interchange in McDowell County. NCDOT also proposes to replace and widen the bridge over I-40. The project is listed as R-0204EA and R-0204EB in the NCDOT 2026-2035 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The R-0204EA section includes the interchange improvements with a bridge replacement over I-40. The purpose of the project is to improve the levels of traffic service by reducing travel time along the U.S. 221 corridor and increasing safety. The proposed design includes the following improvements:

Roadway -

  • A 12-foot travel lane in each direction 
  • A 4-foot outside paved shoulder in each direction
  • A 23-foot raised grass median with curb and gutter 
  • Access to businesses located adjacent to the I-40/U.S. 221 interchange is provided via service roads

Bridge -

  • A 12-foot lane in each direction 
  • An 8-foot outside shoulder in each direction
  • A 17.5-foot concrete median (roundabout) or 12-foot auxiliary lane with 5.5-foot concrete median (signalized intersection) 

Refer to the typical sections below.

Project Highlights

Two alternatives are being considered in the vicinity of the I-40/U.S. 221 interchange. 

  • Alternative 1 includes signalized intersections at the I-40/U.S. 221 interchange ramps. 

  • Alternative 2 includes roundabouts at the I-40/U.S. 221 interchange ramps. 

Both Alternatives will use a reduced conflict intersection design with right-in, right-out movements at side-streets, left turn lanes and U-turns.

What Is a Reduced Conflict Intersections (RCI)? 

A reduced conflict intersection is a general term used to describe several types of designs that can be used to improve safety and traffic flow on a highway.  There are variations to the designs, but they all function the same by reducing by almost half the number of potential locations, or conflict points, where drivers can collide. Raised medians direct traffic from the side road into turning right. When there is a safe opening in traffic, drivers 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 – and make a U-turn.

Watch a video about how Reduced Conflict Intersections (RCI's) work:

Map of R-0204EA Alternative 1

(click to enlarge)

Image: Project alternative map

 

Please provide any comments or questions you have about Alternative 1.

Map of R-0204EA Alternative 2

(click to enlarge)

Image: Project alternative map 2

 

Please provide any comments or questions you have about Alternative 2.

Map of R-0204EB

(click to enlarge)

Image: Public meeting map

 

Please provide any comments or questions you have about R-0204EB.

Typical Section for U.S. 221

 

Image of the Typical Section on U.S. 221

Typical Section for Bridge over I-40

Image: Bridge over I-40 typical

Please provide any questions or comments you may have regarding the typical shown for U.S. 221

Please provide any questions or comments you may have regarding the typical section shown for the I-40 Bridge

Project Funding:

Activity

                        Cost* for R-0204EA Alt 1

                     Cost* for R-0204EA Alt 2                 

 Cost* for R-0204EB

Right-of-Way Acquisition 

$ 0.9 million

$ 0.6 Million

$  0.2 Million

Utilities

$ 4.10 Million

$ 4.1 Million

$ 2.5 Million

Construction

$ 52.5 Million

$ 49.6 Million

$ 24.8 Million

Total Cost

$ 57.5 Million

$ 54.3 Million

$ 27.5 Million

*Costs are subject to change. 

The total cost of the R-0204E project (R-0204EA + R-0204EB) will range from $81.8 Million to $85 Million

Project Timeline:

Activity 

Anticipated Date*

Environmental Document Complete

Spring 2027

Right-of-Way Acquisition Begins

Winter 2028

Utility Relocation

Winter 2028

Construction

Fall 2029

* Schedule is preliminary and subject to change

Project 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.

Comments for consideration during the current phase of project development,

should be submitted by August 30, 2026.


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

or mailed to the project contacts at the addresses listed below.

Email: us221-widening-mcdowell@publicinput.com  

Phone Number: 984-205-6615 and enter project code 4819 to leave a message

Please provide any comments or questions regarding the proposed project.

Would you like to be added to the project email list for updates?

Project Contact Information

Verrol McLeary

 Project Manager

NCDOT Project Management Unit

1582 Mail Service Center 

Raleigh, NC 27699-1582

Project Contact Information

Liz Workman

Transportation Planner

Three Oaks Engineering

1730 Varsity Drive, Suite 140

Raleigh, NC 27699-1582

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

English                                                                     Spanish

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page Last Updated: July 7, 2026

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