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Thomasville council approves NCDOT agreement to add sidewalks, preserve local bridge for utilities and future pedestrian use
Summary
The council unanimously approved an agreement with NCDOT to install sidewalks that the city will maintain, remove a railroad bridge for future local reuse, and leave the existing Fisher Ferry Road crossing in place to continue supporting city water lines and to allow conversion to a pedestrian bridge.
The Thomasville City Council unanimously approved an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to install sidewalks along the Fisher Ferry Street project, reserve a removed railroad bridge for potential local reuse, and leave the current Fisher Ferry Road crossing over Hamby Creek in place so it can continue to carry city water lines and possibly be converted to a pedestrian bridge with new sidewalks.
City staff told council the agreement covers three elements: the sidewalk installation (to be owned and maintained by the city), removal and preservation of an existing railroad bridge so the city may reuse it in a future project, and retention of the current road crossing to avoid rerouting water lines. "This is an agreement to do those three things," the city manager said during the presentation. Staff emphasized that the right‑of‑way acquisition for the road alignment is a separate DOT action and is not included in this particular agreement.
A council member moved to approve the agreement and the vote was recorded as 6‑0 in favor with one seat absent and excused. The approval allows the city to accept and manage the sidewalks and preserves options for local reuse of bridge infrastructure while avoiding immediate utility relocations.
The city is expected to follow up on project details with NCDOT and to take responsibility for maintenance of the sidewalks once constructed.
