Ashe County submits six projects for 2028 STIP scoring, including Jefferson–West Jefferson connector

Ashe County commissioners voted July 7 to submit six projects for evaluation in the North Carolina State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) scoring round for the 2028 cycle.

The proposal, discussed by county staff during the board meeting, includes a proposed four-lane Jefferson–West Jefferson connector with access management and stormwater improvements; intersection improvements at the McDonald's/Ingles intersection that could include a median and access changes; access-management improvements on U.S. 221 between the hospital and N.C. 16, including possible turn lanes; improvements on N.C. 163 from the West Jefferson town limits toward the county line; a pedestrian sidewalk project along the west side of Jefferson Avenue; and a terminal-building replacement at the local airport.

The county emphasized that submitting projects to the STIP places them into the state scoring process but does not guarantee funding. “These are the projects that we've come up with. Again, to set expectations, we may get none of these projects this go around,” said Adam (staff member). Projects are scored regionally and statewide based on factors such as accidents, traffic volumes and freight needs.

Commissioners discussed the McDonald's/Ingles intersection at length. One commissioner described possible improvements “similar to like a super street” with medians and controlled access to reduce hazardous left turns where several driveways and a nearby signal create conflict points. County staff also discussed a potential traffic signal at a county facility entrance but said that outcome “is yet to be seen.”

The pedestrian project would require a 20% local match. County staff said they have discussed cost-splitting with West Jefferson, the Blue Ridge Conservancy and the county should the sidewalk be selected for funding.

A county official noted that some submitted projects have scored poorly in prior rounds and that much of the region’s current STIP prioritization remains focused on storm and flood-related repairs. “Those projects go through the system, they get stored. So even if we don't get it funded, we'll at least know where these stand,” Adam said.

The board voted to submit the projects, and county staff said the towns that requested or support those projects will also vote on the package before final submission.

Planning and funding notes: the sidewalk carries a 20% required local match; the airport item is listed as a terminal replacement; the Jefferson–West Jefferson connector is described as a four-lane facility with pedestrian and stormwater components. The county cautioned that scoring and funding are determined by the state process and that storm-damage repairs statewide may affect allocations in this cycle.