NCDOT: U.S. 70 Improvements in James City - Frequently Asked Questions

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Why is U.S. 70 being improved?
The project will improve traffic flow and safety. The James City project is one of several along the U.S. 70 corridor designed to better connect the region through transportation and to upgrade U.S. 70 to an interstate (future I-42).
What will U.S. 70 look like when the project is complete?
U.S. 70 will have overpasses with exit and entrance ramps at each of the five interchanges and service roads for local business and community access. See a visualization of what the completed project will look like.
Who do I contact if my business or home is impacted by the project?
Properties impacted by right-of-way acquisition have received a letter in the mail with a contact and additional information. If you believe your property may be affected by right-of-way acquisition and you did not receive a letter, contact the project team or call 1-855-925-2801 and enter code 7872.
Who is responsible for this project?
The N.C. Department of Transportation is responsible for this effort and several other projects along the U.S. 70 corridor to better connect the region through transportation and upgrade U.S. 70 to an interstate (future I-42). The project falls under NCDOT Highway Division 2, which includes Division Engineer Preston Hunter, Construction Engineer Cadmus Capehart and Assistant Construction Engineer Heather Lane. Resident Engineer Wendi Johnson and Assistant Resident Engineer Eddie Bunn with Gannett Fleming, Inc. will be the onsite engineers representing NCDOT.
When will construction start?
Construction began in spring of 2022.
When will the project be completed?
The project is anticipated to be complete in mid 2026.
Will the project impact my commute?
NCDOT always seeks to minimize traffic disruptions. U.S. 70 traffic will be maintained at all times, though some lane closures and temporary overnight detours can be expected. Impacts will be minimized as much as possible by keeping the traveling public separated from construction traffic.
Beginning construction phases

Construction will be done in phases, starting with upgrading existing and building new service roads parallel to U.S. 70. Service road traffic will then be shifted on the new service roads and U.S. 70 will undergo widening as well as ramp construction.

Other construction phases
In later phases of the project, traffic will be shifted onto the part of U.S. 70 already widened while the U.S. 70 median will be closed to traffic.

Temporary reduced conflict intersections will be installed with traffic signals to allow motorists to make U-turns to access either side of U.S. 70.

In the final phase, bridges will be constructed at the five interchanges to raise U.S. 70 over cross streets.

Updates will be provided throughout construction to keep you up to date on activities and changes. You can view updated lane closures at DriveNC.gov, follow NCDOT on Twitter at @NCDOT_Scoast or sign up at US70-JamesCity@publicinput.com to receive emails or text messages.
How will construction affect customer access to my business?
NCDOT always seeks to minimize disruptions to businesses during road construction. Customer access and deliveries to businesses will be maintained throughout the duration of construction. Additionally, NCDOT representatives will keep businesses regularly informed of construction schedules that may affect them.
What is a reduced conflict intersection?
A reduced conflict intersection is a design that improves safety and traffic flow on a highway.

When there is a safe opening in traffic, drivers turn right to easily enter the flow of traffic on the main route. To go the other direction, or cross the highway, vehicles pull into a dedicated lane, typically less than 1,000 feet away, to make a U-turn. There might be a traffic signal at this location.

Temporary reduced conflict intersections will be installed on U.S. 70 in a later phase of construction. This design will be necessary for traffic to access either side of U.S. 70 when the median is temporarily closed.

Read more about reduced conflict intersections.
Why are roundabouts being built for this project?
Roundabouts help improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists. They help reduce traffic congestion typical of a traditional intersection with stop signs or traffic signals. A driver generally enters the roundabout more quickly than if waiting at a traffic signal or stop sign.
For U.S. 70, roundabouts will be used at the exit ramps instead of traffic signals to help traffic flow. These roundabouts will improve safety and allow the intersection to function if power goes out due to storms.

Read more about roundabouts.

12/13/2023 11:52 AM