June 15. By Dave Vieser. It looks like the $50 million widening of West Catawba Avenue from Jetton Road to Sam Furr Road will not be completed until 2027. Indeed, construction is still several years away from starting.

Deputy Town Manager Wayne Herron provided an update on local road improvements at Monday’s Planning Board meeting.

On the bright side, the NCDOT has agreed to make the corner of Nantz Road West Catawba a traditional intersection. At one time, there was thought of permitting only right turns for Nantz Road motorists leaving the neighborhood.

Mayor Pro Tem Denis Bilodeau said he is thankful that NCDOT has restarted several important projects.

BILODEAU

“As infrastructure improvement conversations continue at the federal and state level, I am hopeful that our most costly and impactful project, the widening of West Catawba can be accelerated,” Bilodeau said.

Phase 2 widening of West Catawba has been a major issue for years. It was once estimated to be a $12.5 million project.

Here’s the latest breakdown from the NCDOT:

—West Catawba Avenue widening
2021-2025 property acquisition and utility relocation
2025-2027 actual construction

—Torrence Chapel Improvements, Dual Roundabouts at 21/Catawba and 115/Potts roundabout:
2021 acquisition of right-of-way to be completed; utility relocation begins.
2022-2023 utility relocation completed; construction begins.

—Northcross Drive Extension
2021-2022 right-of-way completion and utility relocation
2022-2024 construction

—Bailey Road Extension
2022 right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation
2023 construction

—Hickory Street/NC 115 Intersection
2021 design
2022 right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation
2023 construction including addition of new traffic signal