UPDATE – A public meeting regarding improvements to U.S. 23/74 is scheduled for 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 2. Impacts from Tropical Storm Fred postponed the meeting from Aug. 19.
The N.C. Department of Transportation encourages residents to still visit the
NCDOT project page and submit comments. Below is the original release.
LAKE JUNALUSKA – N.C. Department of Transportation officials are inviting everyone to a public meeting from 4-7 p.m. Thursday to discuss proposed improvements to U.S. 23/74 in Haywood County.
The meeting will be held in the Harrell Center Auditorium at the Lake Junaluska Conference Center, 710 Lakeshore Drive.
Proposed improvements include replacing the two bridges on U.S. 23/74 over Richland Creek, widening the two bridges over Blue Ridge Southern Railroad, and reconfiguring the interchange with U.S. 19 including the addition of a bridge to replace the existing left side entrance.
A video rendering, maps and project details are available on the NCDOT project webpage.
Transportation officials will detail recent adjustments to the plans, including a drastic reduction in the time needed for detours. They will also be available to answer questions and receive comments. Interested people can attend at any time during the meeting
People may also submit comments by calling 984-205-6615 and entering project code 2219, or by emailing Smoky-Mt-Expressway@publicinput.com or sending comments by regular mail to Garrett Higdon, NCDOT Highway Division 14, Project Manager, 253 Webster Road, Sylva, N.C. 28779.
NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled people who wish to participate in this virtual hearing. Anyone requiring special services should contact Diane Wilson, who works with NCDOT’s Environmental Analysis Unit, at 1598 Mail Service Center in Raleigh or 919-707-6073 or pdwilson1@ncdot.gov. Please contact Wilson as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.
Those who do not speak English, or have a limited availability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior to the meeting by calling 1-800-481-6494.