NCDOT Conducting Public Survey for Future I685

April 14, 2025

The project logo Strategic Transportation Corridor K: Phase 1

Corridor K Phase 1 Master Plan

Corridor K is described in the North Carolina Transportation Network and Strategic Transportation Corridors (STC) Framework (August 2015) as an important regional connector serving the Piedmont and Coastal Plains regions from I-40 in Guilford County through Sanford in Lee County to US 117 in Wilmington and New Hanover County, linking the manufacturing centers of the Piedmont Triad region to export opportunities at the port in Wilmington. The corridor also provides a crucial link between the Fort Bragg Army Base and the port at Wilmington and the Sunny Point Military Ocean Terminal. 

The current project covers only the northern-most portion (Phase I) of Corridor K, as shown on the Study Area Map shown below. Phase I follows US 421, NC 87 and NC 24 between Greensboro and I-95 in Fayetteville, a distance of 109 miles. As part of the study, alternatives will be developed and analyzed for the portion of the corridor that connects NC Highway 87 in Sanford south to I-95 in either Cumberland or Harnett Counties.   

The intent of the Master Plan is to develop a consistent transportation vision and performance measures for the corridor and to determine the location of the corridor from Sanford to I-95, based on stakeholder input and sound technical assessment that will serve to streamline subsequent project development processes.

Survey #1 – Questions on Goals, Objectives, and Performance Measures

 – Definitions –

  • Vision Statements define the long-term aspirations for the project
  • Goals translate the vision into tangible statements related to how the project impacts specific elements (e.g., safety, congestion reduction, economic prosperity)
  • Objectives are the specific steps designed to achieve the goals (e.g., “reduce fatal crashes”, “reduce congestion, enhance freight access”)
  • Performance measures are the specific indicators used to track progress towards the objective (e.g., “reduce fatal crashes by 10%”, “reduce travel time by 10%”, “increase freight throughput by 10%”)

Note this survey closes at 5 PM on 5/2/25. 

Question title

The intent of the Corridor K Master Plan is to develop a consistent transportation vision for the corridor as well as determine if (and where) alternative locations for the section between Sanford and I-95 are recommended. This plan is a high-level assessment of overall transportation needs (such as access, congestion, and safety), specific users’ needs (such as freight, passenger, military and multi-modal), land use and economic development needs, and local plans and goals. To help us understand how you view the relevant importance of potential project objectives, please rank the following, where 1 would be your highest priority, and 10 your lowest priority for the project.

NEXT PRIORITY

Improve safety for all users

Promote a direct interstate connection between Greensboro and I-95

Provide a new bypass around Spring Lake to reduce congestion near Fort Bragg

Improve corridor efficiency and reduce congestion for all users

Promote regional connectivity between Greensboro, Fayetteville and Wilmington

Improve air quality by minimizing vehicle-miles traveled (VMT) and vehicle emissions

Enhance direct access for the military and base staff at Fort Bragg

Provide a direct connection to megasites and major activity centers and destinations

Enhance development opportunities and quality of life for residents, workers, and visitors by improving roadway access to areas along the corridor

Enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety and connectivity across the corridor and to regional trails

NCDOT wants public feedback on this project by May 2. You can provide your thoughts through the NCDOT online survey at this link.