On-Call Feasibility Studies

Wetherill Engineering has a Limited Service Contract to provide the NCDOT with feasibility studies on an on-call basis. The process involves defining the purpose and need, gathering existing information, assessing traffic and safety conditions, screening potential environmental and historical impacts, reviewing regional and statewide transportation plans, reviewing terrain conditions and constraints, considering design elements (alignment, structures, utilities, construction cost, etc.), and even understanding local government concerns/issues. Ultimate project improvements must be determined based on future year traffic forecast/ projections, desired facility operational level of service, and safety considerations that align with the project’s purpose and need. WEI’s Project Manager for this contract coordinates closely with Central and Divisions to ensure successfully project delivery. Projects issued under this contract include:

• NC 55 (Part 1): Project in Harnett County involving the widening of the two-lane undivided NC 55 to a four-lane road with a 23’ raised median, paved shoulders and sidewalks from NC 27 in Coats to Old State Road (North).
• NC 55 (Part 2): Project in Harnett County involving the widening of the two-lane undivided NC 55 to a four-lane road with a 23’ raised median, paved shoulders and sidewalks from US 421 to NC 27.
• NC 55 New Location (Part 3): Project in Harnett County involving the construction of a four-lane road with a 23’ raised median, paved shoulders and sidewalks partially improving Erwin Access Road as well as St. Matthews Road in Erwin. Rest of theroad constructed on a new location.
• Blue Ridge Road: Project in Buncombe County involving existing road modernization, intersection upgradation and complete street improvements. Requiring coordination with I-4409 Blue Ridge Road Interchange project.
• US 70 (Part 1): Project in AlamanceCounty involving widening existing road toaccommodate a five-lane section includinga 23’ raised median, paved shoulder andsidewalks from NC 49 to Trollingwood/N.
• Wilkins Road. Requiring additionalimprovements to adjacent streets whilecoordinating with the Rail Division.
• US 70 (Part 2): Project in AlamanceCounty involving widening existing road toaccommodate a five-lane section with a 23’raised median, paved shoulder and sidewalksfrom NC 49 to NC 119 Bypass. Requiring additional improvements to adjacent streets while coordinatingwith theRail Division.
• Ben Lippen Road/Emma Road: Project in Buncombe County from Old County Home Road to LouisianaAvenueinvolving existing road modernization including complete street improvements whileconsidering intersectionimprovements and geometric improvements.
• US 258: Project in Edgecombe County involving the widening of US 258 to a four-lane divided facilitywith sidewalksand bike lanes. The project also included an interchange bridge replacement, roundabout options, andaccessmanagement improvements.
• Enka Lake Road: Multimodal project in Buncombe County that included the express design of sidewalks,bike lanes,roundabouts, and alignment improvements. Widening the road to a three-lane section andmodernization optionswere also investigated. Through discussions with the MPO and Division 13, theproject was expanded to includeQueen Road from Enka Lake Road to SR 151.
• US 17: Project in Craven County that involves introducing a super-street concept by restricting lefts fromthe sidestreetsat ten intersections. The restricted lefts will then complete a U-turn movement at variouslocations along thecorridor. The purpose of the project is to improve safety by reducing key conflictpoints and increase operationalefficiency. The installation of sidewalk along both sides of US 17 is also being investigated.