NCDOT plans to widen NC 54 in congested Morrisville

MORRISVILLE, NC (WTVD) -- The North Carolina Department Of Transportation is taking public comment on its plans for a nearly $25 million project to widen a mile-long stretch of N.C. 54 in Morrisville.

The project would add additional lanes and turn lanes from Shiloh Glenn Drive and Perimeter Park Drive.

State transportation officials hosted two public hearings Monday at the Hyatt House in Morrisville.

Michael Kneis, NCDOT Engineer, said construction on the project would likely begin in 2021 and take two years to complete.

Liz Johnson, a longtime Morrisville Town Council member, said 2021 can't come soon enough. However, she wants to make sure the properties that will be asked to relocate to make room for the widened roadway are taken care of.

"The one thing I'm concerned about, clearly, is the properties along 54 that will be impacted by this widening," said Johnson. "All of us need to make sure that we limit those impacts to those folks and do the best we can. Also knowing that this project is incredibly important for those of us that live and commute through this area."

If you couldn't make it to the public meeting Monday, you still have time to voice your opinion.

Comments may also be submitted via phone, email, or mail by July 16. Comments received will be taken into consideration as the project develops.

For additional information or to submit a comment after the meeting, contact NCDOT Senior Project Engineer Zahid Baloch, at zbaloch@ncdot.gov , or (919) 707-6012 .