Interactive Study Area Map 

Project Overview

The N.C. Department of Transportation proposes to improve mobility and safety along U.S. 221 Alternate (Charlotte Road/Main Street) in Rutherfordton and Spindale. The purpose of the project is to improve intersections and implement a design that is accessible, safe, and convenient for all users (Complete Streets Design) along U.S. 221A. 

This project will enhance safety for all users,  including bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit riders.  Dedicated facilities and optimized transit stops will be provided as well as the installation of four (4) level two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations near the corridor. Two will be installed in downtown Rutherfordton and the other two will be installed in downtown Spindale.

Project Highlights

The project includes improvements along U.S. 221A (Charlotte Road/Main Street) from Maple Street in Rutherfordton to Oakland Road in Spindale, spanning approximately 2.5 miles.

Goals:

• Enhance safety, mobility, and connectivity for active transportation users (bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders)
• Enhance pedestrian and bicycle access by adding a 10-foot multi-use path.

Improvements on U.S. 221A:

• Reconfigure the existing 5-lane to a 3-lane from North Main St. to Executive Drive and a 4-lane median divided from Executive Drive to Railroad Avenue/College Avenue 
  • Access will be maintained to existing driveways and at key intersections (Methodist Drive, Elm Street, California Street, Indiana Street, and Illinois Street) 
• Improve the existing two-lane section with a median from Maryland Street to Oakland Road, providing pedestrian safety

Construction:

• Phased construction to minimize disruption

• No offsite detours

• Continuous access to businesses and properties will be maintained

Project History

A planning study for the project was developed in 2022 to determine preliminary impacts and costs. This project will design and construct the improvements proposed in the 2022 Partnership for Active Regional Transportation and Neighborhood Equity in Rutherfordton and Spindale (PARTNERS) application under the federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant program. The grant program awarded $20 million to NCDOT in partnership with the Towns of Rutherfordton and Spindale. The current proposed design was refined in 2024. The design was developed with input from the Town of Rutherfordton, Town of Spindale, and Rutherford County Transit. 

Project Public Meeting Maps

Click below to view meeting maps.  

Map 1- From Court Street to Executive Drive in Rutherfordton

Map 2 - From Laurel Hills Drive in Rutherfordton to Huntley Street in Spindale

Map 3 - From Nebraska Street to Elm Street in Spindale

Typical Sections

U.S. 221A from Court Street to Executive Drive in Rutherfordton

U.S. 221A from U.S. 74A in Rutherfordton to Ohio Street in Spindale

U.S. 221A from Ohio Street to Elm Street and from Indiana Street to Oakland Street in Spindale

U.S. 221A from Elm Street to Indiana Street in Spindale

Project Funding:

        *Costs are subject to change. 

Project Timeline:

* Future dates 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 Nov. 12, 2024.

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

Email: us221a-rutherfordton@publicinput.com

Phone Number: 512-580-8850 enter project code 10229 to leave a message

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION 

Hannah K. Smith P.E.

Project Manager

NCDOT Division 13

55 Orange Street

Asheville, NC  28801

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION 

Jeff Hess P.E. 

Project Manager

HNTB

4000 Center at North hills St. Ste 500

Raleigh, NC  27609

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

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