HAMPSTEAD — The North Carolina Department of Transportation is hosting a public meeting regarding the Hampstead Bypass and other improvements along U.S. 17 in Hampstead, as well as Pender and New Hanover Counties.
The meeting will take place at the Topsail Middle School on Thursday, from 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Anyone interested in the project can stop by during the hours listed.
The project consists of two parts, known as R-3300 parts A and B. Project A extends from I-140/U.S. 17 Wilmington Bypass to N.C. 210. Project B extends from N.C. 210 to U.S. 17 north of Hampstead, according to the NCDOT public notice.
“The Hampstead Bypass would be built in two sections: The first section would extend from the U.S. 17 Wilmington Bypass to N.C. 210. This section of the project is funded for design only in the current State Transportation Improvement Program,” according to NCDOT.
The second section of the bypass would extend from N.C. 210 to north of Hampstead. This section is funded for construction in the current State Transportation Improvement Program.
There will also be improvements to U.S. 17 from the south of Washington Acres Road to north of Sloop Point Loop Road.
NCDOT representatives will be on site answering questions and addressing concerns, according to the notice; no formal presentation will be made. Comments can also be submitted in writing through the mail or email.
“Proposed work would involve extending Military Cutoff Road in Wilmington from Market Street (U.S. 17 Business) to the U.S. 17 Wilmington Bypass in New Hanover County as well as building a bypass around the town of Hampstead in Pender County,” according to NCDOT.
The Military Cutoff Road extension is expected to begin construction in late 2017 and right of way acquisitions for the project began in 2015.
Currently the estimated cost for U-4751 is $51.6 million, R-3300B is expected to cost $133 million, and R-3300A is currently unfunded.
Michael Praats can be reached at [email protected]
