NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Balancing aesthetics with infrastructure improvements is sometimes a tricky task, but thanks to an update to a 1988 North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) policy, it’s now easier to set aside funds for aesthetic improvements for roadways.
A planned project (titled U-4902D) along Market Street in New Hanover County by the NCDOT between Middle Sound Loop and Marsh Oaks Drive is in the works and the county has the opportunity to partner with the state to help provide beautification for the project.
Commissioners will vote on approving the partnership at an upcoming meeting on Nov. 18. The partnership will not cost the county in upfront costs since the policy change allows 1.5% of the total project costs to be dedicated to beautification and aesthetics.
The project itself is an attempt to help improve the flow of traffic along Market Street and will install a new raised median along U.S. 17 and will cost around $24.6 million.
“STIP U-4902D: The project will convert the existing center turn lane on US 17 Business (Market Street) to a raised median from SR 1403 (Middle Sound Loop Road) to SR 2290 (Mendenhall Drive)/SR 2734 (Marsh Oaks Drive). STIP U-4902D will also include the installation of traffic signal communication devices and traffic cameras at Porters Neck Drive,” according to the NCDOT.
That means nearly $250,000 can be earmarked for aesthetics along the roadway that would consist of plants, irrigations, and installation labor of the planted medians.
The county would not be responsible for a match due to the fact county staff would be responsible for the upkeep of the beautified areas once they are installed.
