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MATTHEWS Talks start this week about a plan that would bring dramatic changes to a section of Independence Boulevard used by commuters, beach traffic and race fans.
The mile-long section starts east of the Interstate 485 interchange and extends into Stallings.
That's where, if the plan holds true, sometime in 2013 eastbound drivers would reach the entrance of a toll road called the Monroe Connector/Bypass. The road is being designed to ease crowding on U.S. 74.
The N.C. Turnpike Authority will begin a series of open houses Monday, and this month there will be hearings, to get public input as a final route is being laid out.
The first open house will be 4-8 p.m. Monday at South Piedmont Community College in Monroe. Tuesday, the open house will be at Matthews Community Center.
The stretch of Independence, also known as U.S. 74, is heavily traveled. Commuters in western Union County use that road daily. Drivers from Western North Carolina travel there on their way to the beach. Race fans travel there and stay in area hotels for events at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
The bypass, which will cost $755 million, will veer northeast off U.S. 74 then arc a 21-mile course, with 21 interchanges, through northern Union County and reconnect with U.S. 74 west of Marshville.
Drivers who take the bypass could pay 10-20 cents per mile, one turnpike study says.
The interchange that takes drivers to the bypass would spread along the stretch of U.S. 74 starting near the Union County line and extending into Stallings.
U.S. 74 would become a thoroughfare. Drivers would be required to exit onto frontage roads to access businesses where they now simply turn into the lots. And a 25-foot-tall bridge in Stallings would carry other drivers over the town, through the toll and onto the bypass.
The raised interchange bridge in Stallings is one topic that will get a lot of discussion this month. Stallings Mayor Lynda Paxton says many people there still don't like the proposed route, but the Turnpike Authority is working with the town to get the best option.
Indian Trail residents also will have plenty to say. The recommended route will impact businesses and homes there.
Turnpike officials say they're willing to make some adjustments.
“We feel, based on the data and public comment that this is the best recommendation, but it's not a final decision,” said Jennifer Harris, staff engineer for the N.C. Turnpike Authority. “That's why we're coming out for the open houses and hearings.”
The bypass has been talked about for decades. However, this year there have been indications that state officials plan to meet the planned 2013 completion date.
The Turnpike Authority released its environmental impact study in April. At that time, it recommended the route. Later in the month, Wingate University announced that it would build its School of Health Science on campus, near a proposed bypass interchange. Wingate President Jerry McGee said he had strong indications the bypass would be built by 2013.
State officials have consistently said this year the road will be built on time.
“By this fall we'll do the coordinating with the state environmental department, Turnpike Authority, N.C. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration,” Harris said.
The last day to have public comments will be June 15. A final recommendation will go to the Federal Highway Administration in November. That agency is expected to issue a record of decision by March 2010. After that, work would begin.
