Commissioners back DOT traffic study and support USDOT BUILD grant application for multimodal trail link

Community development staff asked commissioners on May 4 to approve two resolutions: one consenting to a North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) traffic study on 221 Business that could examine converting four lanes to a three-lane configuration with pedestrian/bike facilities, and another authorizing staff to include the county as a formal partner in a USDOT BUILD (Cornerstone) grant application to fund multimodal connections in support of the Northern Peaks State Trail.

Nick, the county's community development director, said both towns (Jefferson and West Jefferson) have approved the municipal resolutions and DOT asked for jurisdictional partners for a traffic study. He described the BUILD grant as a complex, year-long application process that typically requires significant staff capacity; the county is partnering with the towns and regional organizations to assemble a competitive application.

Commissioners discussed pedestrian safety concerns, whether sidewalks and bike lanes are feasible on constrained sections such as Radio Hill, and the fact that any road configuration changes would be data-driven and contingent on DOT studies and approvals. The board approved both resolutions by motion.

Why it matters: The resolutions are an early step to secure federal support and to evaluate traffic and safety options for sections of 221 Business that connect towns and trail sections. Any eventual changes would require DOT findings and further local approvals.

Next steps: Staff will continue collaboration with town managers, COG staff and Blue Ridge Conservancy partners to develop the BUILD application and return to the board with updates.