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Town unveils multi‑phase Lincoln Street connector and traffic strategy aimed at easing congestion on US 36
Summary
A committee recommended a phased Lincoln Street/200-series connector and intersection improvements — including left‑in/left‑out lanes, roundabouts and trail connections — as the financially realistic path to relieve US 36 congestion; MPO funding and multi‑year phasing were discussed.
Town engineers and a citizen committee presented a multi‑phase strategy to relieve traffic pressure on US 36, centered on a series of new north–south connectors (the 200-series), targeted intersection work, and pedestrian/trail improvements.
The plan presented key short- and long-term elements: a left-only "Costco left" movement to reduce east–west turning conflicts, restriping and intersection changes where the town controls right-of-way, a potential roundabout or signal at strategic locations, and a phased connector that could eventually link the town to Cartersburg and relieve trips through the downtown.
Funding and timing: Planners said the project will require substantial funding and phased work. The town plans to apply to the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for grant support; a first-phase package was sized to meet typical MPO thresholds (roughly $12–20 million total for an initial phase), with the town possibly responsible for matching funds. Engineers estimated full build-out could take more than a decade with staged MPO applications and local match.
Why it matters: Officials said the town does not control many of the higher-traffic roads, making local connectivity improvements the most practical near-term lever. Committee members emphasized that piecemeal widening of US 36 risks making the downtown less walkable, whereas a strategic connector plus trails can direct cut-through traffic off Main Street and improve safety for school buses and emergency response.
Next steps: Staff will refine cost estimates, prepare MPO applications, and outline phasing and staffing needs; the town also plans to coordinate with county and state partners on right-of-way and design inputs.
