NCDOT considering new options for Carolina Bays Parkway extension following public feedback

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A controversial highway extension proposal in Brunswick County is being sent back to the drawing board after months of strong opposition from residents concerned about environmental impacts, property disruptions and the project’s overall necessity.

After a series of public hearings, forums, and meetings that drew mostly negative feedback, the North Carolina Department of Transportation announced on Wednesday, April 23rd, that it is reconsidering plans for the Carolina Bays Parkway Extension project and will no longer pursue its previously preferred route, known as Alternative 4.

The proposed project would connect Highway 31 in South Carolina to S.C. 9 before crossing into Brunswick County.

Hundreds of residents packed a public hearing at Sea Trail Golf Resort and Convention Center back in October to voice concerns over the proposal.

Alternative 4, previously favored by transportation officials, would have routed the extension south toward U.S. 17 and widened the highway as it continued toward Shallotte. Many residents instead supported Alternative 4-A, which would keep the extension north of U.S. 17.

John Fastiggi was just one of many people who opposed Alternative 4.

“Their preferred route goes right up Route 17, would destroy businesses, there’s developments and housing, and it really has no business being on 17,” Fastiggi said.

According to the DOT, more than 350 public comments were submitted. Of those, 125 raised concerns about impacts to property values, homes and businesses near the route. Another 62 questioned the project’s cost or lack of funding, while 40 asked the state to study moving the project farther inland.

Katie Hite, a division project development engineer with NCDOT, said the agency’s decision reflects the purpose of public input.

“This is exactly what our process is here for and why we do what we do,” Hite said. “It gives us what we need so that we can provide back to the community and the citizens what they ultimately want and need.”

Despite dropping Alternative 4, transportation officials said the Carolina Bays project remains active.

“I would not say that it’s on hold,” NCDOT spokesperson Veronica Scott said. “We are actively working on a new design to present again. We are going back to the drawing board, we’re listening to the feedback that we received and we’re still working to come up with a design as we continue to compete for funding with projects across the state.”

The North Carolina portion of the project currently has no funding attached to it. Officials said the South Carolina side is fully funded and is expected to begin construction in 2029.

The estimated cost for the North Carolina portion is more than $600 million.

Scott said a redesign for a new alternative could take up to a year, after which, it would be presented to the public for feedback.