Share
The N.C. Turnpike Authority plans to hold four open houses and two corridor design hearings next week for the proposed Monroe connector/bypass project in Mecklenburg and Union counties.
The 21-mile toll road has been billed as an artery to ease commuter gridlock on U.S. 74 and bring added energy to Union County's quest for new business.
The hearings are increasingly important because towns and transportation officials haven't yet agreed on a route. Turnpike officials would like to reach an agreement by November and finalize a decision by March 2010. That decision will be be made jointly by the turnpike authority, N.C. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.
The Monroe Connector/Bypass has been debated for decades, but delayed as state officials worked to find funding and negotiate an acceptable route. The turnpike authority took over the proposed road in 2006 and, decided it would be a toll road to help fund it.
To learn more about the project, the open houses are scheduled for:
Monday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at South Piedmont Community College, 4209 Old Charlotte Highway outside Monroe.
Tuesday, 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Matthew Community College, 100 W. McDowell St. in Matthews.
Wednesday, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the N.C. Cooperative Extension -- Union County Center, 3230-D Presson Rd. in Monroe.
Thursday, 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Wingate University, Cuddy Arena, 230 N. Camden St. in Wingate.
To have your say, the publics hearings are set to begin at 7 p.m. on:
Tuesday at Matthews Community Center at 100 W. McDowell St. in Matthews.
Thursday at Wingate University, Austin Auditorium on 230 Cedar St. in Wingate.
Turnpike authority representatives will be available at the open houses for questions and comments. The open houses are informal and citizens can drop in at any time.
The public hearings are formal meetings, open for statements, questions and comments. Anyone wanting to speak at the formal hearings can register at the open houses or before the hearings. Or they can call Pat Puryear at 919-571-3000, or email monroe@ncturnpike.org.
