Funding received for sidewalk along US 421 in Carolina Beach

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The N.C. Department of Transportation and the Town of Carolina Beach have received funding to create a sidewalk along U.S. 421 (Lake Park Boulevard) from north of Lake Drive to south of Carolina Sands Drive.

The new sidewalk will replace a defined path along the grass that pedestrians have been walking without existing pedestrian facilities. This project will provide a safer travel experience for those to reach their destination by further separating pedestrians from the roadway and providing a solid, level path, according to a press release.

The NCDOT said they saw a clear need for a change in the area.

“One of the things that we look for when we’re planning transportation projects is where there are needs. So, there’s a very clear need here,” Division 3 Deputy Division Engineer, Caitlin Melvin, said.

“You can actually see that there is a dirt path that has been walked on from pedestrians walking on it, that the grass has worn away, and there’s a dirt path. So, to us that’s a clear indication that people are using.”

“On behalf of the citizens of Carolina Beach, I would like to thank the NCDOT for their continued partnership with us to improve pedestrian safety,” said Carolina Beach Mayor Lynn Barbee. “We are experiencing record visitors to our town, and through our synergy with DOT leadership, we can implement safety measures in a timely fashion.”

A construction date for the project will be set in the near future.