NCDOT gets feedback on Hwy. 17 improvements in Pender Co.

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Drivers in Pender County are getting a chance to give the North Carolina Department of Transportation feedback on proposed improvements for a highway notorious for accidents.

The NCDOT held an open house Thursday night to explain the project and answer questions.

Division Project Development Engineer Katie Hite said the plan is to add medians and u-turn points from Washington Acres Road to Sloop Point Road in Hampstead.

“The primary crash that we are trying to treat with this project is the left turn exiting a driveway coming onto the highway,” Hite said. “That is the most serious crash that we experience on a road like this.”

Pender County commissioner David Piepmeyer said it is a good starting point, because he said this project with cost roughly $30 or $40 million. He said the Hampstead Bypass will cost about $130 million.

“It’s important that people feel safe out there and I think this is a step in the right direction to improve that,” Piepmeyer said.

Resident Flonnie Wullenwaber wants the DOT to take a different direction.

“I think what they are trying to do is a great idea, but at the same time I do not think it’s going to eliminate our traffic issues that we have right now in Hampstead,” Wullenwaber said. “I think it’s a band aid for a quick fix and it’s not a permanent fix.”

Wullenwaber said she would rather see the estimated $30 million pay for a permanent fix to their major concern.

“I think it’s for the best for our community that the bypass goes forward and help save a lot of lives,” Wullenwaber said.

The DOT will continue taking feedback from the public before a final draft is created for this improvement project. Construction is not expected until 2020.

There will be an open house next Wednesday, July 6, at the DOT division office in Castle Hayne to discuss priorities for transportation projects. The Hampstead Bypass will be discussed at that meeting.