West Fort Hill – The idea seemed pretty cut and dry: remove an old bridge and replace it with two dead-end turnarounds.
Residents of Lower Mill Creek Road had other ideas.
Amid a myriad of theories – which included the fear of increased drug activity – N.C. Department of Transportation, Division 14 officials left the Nov. 15 public hearing at Robbinsville United Methodist Church with a clear and resounding message: consider an alternative.
However, it’s not like DOT representatives were caught off-guard by the 20-something attendees and the almost-unanimous opposition; Communications Officer David Uchiyama told The Graham Star that the hearing affirmed why input is accepted.
“This is an example of the public-engagement process working as designed,” Uchiyama said. “Based on the immediate feedback of local officials and residents, local NCDOT officials will develop design plans to keep a creek crossing in place.”
A packet distributed at the meeting broke down the details of the original plan. The two turnarounds would be constructed wide enough to accommodate both buses and emergency vehicles. Right-of-way acquisition would have began next year, with the removal and cultivation of turnarounds kicking off in 2024.
The DOT is also examining alternatives. Uchiyama later added that options, such as a culvert or another bridge, are on the table. The decision and design should be completed within the next 12 months, he said.
The DOT packet about the project included several terms used to describe the condition of the bridge. Determined to be “at the end of its useful life” – according to the handout – the existing crossing is defined as “functionally obsolete” (narrow, inadequate under-clearances, insufficient load-carrying capacity, or poor roadway alignment) and “structurally deficient.”
At the moment, the bridge can handle a 9-ton weight limit for single vehicles and 13 tons for semi-trucks. Lanes are also considered “substandard,” as both are 8-feet wide.
The information packet later said that replacing the bridge – which is, again, a consideration – that would meet current standards was not cost-effective, though the packet did not include an estimate of the price tag attached to the project.
The 0.5-mile road is a loop, connected at the back end by the bridge in question. Despite its minuscule length, several residences are on the circular path.
Public input is still being accepted through Friday, Dec. 16. Comments can be emailed to Zach Shuler, NCDOT Division 14 bridge program manager, at ztshuler@ncdot.gov; or mailed to: 345 Toot Hollow Road, Bryson City, NC 28713.