About The Study
History
The 182-mile stretch of Interstate 95 in North Carolina was built between the 1950s and the 1980s as a four-lane interstate. Unlike other interstate highways in the state, large-scale rehabilitation or widening has been minimal on this aging interstate. In 2009 NCDOT determined that this interstate needed a more holistic evaluation from state line to state line for planning purposes; thus, the I-95 Corridor Planning and Finance study began to take root.
To initiate this planning project, NCDOT chose two consultants, Baker Engineering and PBS&J, to work jointly on the I-95 Corridor Planning and Finance study. The study encompasses the entire length of I-95 in North Carolina and, when concluded in the fall of 2011, will provide NCDOT with a master plan for the future development of I-95 in our state. It’s important to note that this is a high-level study and will not directly result in construction projects once it is completed. At that time, NCDOT plans to take this study – and the resulting tools and recommendations – and use them to begin development of individual TIP projects.
Study Components
The I-95 Corridor Planning and Finance study is made up of four definitive components, which are detailed below. Each aspect of the study meets a need and fulfills a purpose within the overarching plan. This website will remain updated with specific information as the study’s timeline progresses.
Public Involvement ~ Project duration
The Public Involvement effort for the study spans the entire project and will incorporate diverse strategies to engage and inform you, including a website, social media applications (e.g., Facebook, Twitter), brochures, posters, project briefings and presentations.
Our Public Involvement goal for Driving95 is to listen to your view! This is your road, and as commuters, travelers and community members, your vision for I-95 is important to us. A series of public workshops held along the corridor will focus on this endeavor. Keep an eye out for a meeting near you.
Needs Assessment ~ Winter through Spring 2010
- Infrastructure Inventory
- Environmental Conditions
- Traffic
The Needs Assessment will describe the existing conditions on I-95 and determine what is necessary to meet the needs of the growing number of vehicles that travel on it every day. Existing conditions include infrastructure (e.g., bridges, interchanges and pavement conditions), traffic, and environmental conditions (e.g., streams, wetlands and historic sites). Combined with forecasts of future traffic conditions, this information will be used to help determine what improvements are most needed for I-95.
Corridor Plan ~ Fall 2011
The Corridor Plan will provide detailed information on the necessary improvements for I-95 and identify the costs to implement them. Several options will be included that meet the needs of the corridor, while also avoiding (to the extent possible) environmentally sensitive areas. These alternatives will be analyzed using criteria that reflect the purpose and need for the improvements.
Finance Study ~ Fall 2011
The Finance study will assess the means by which the improvements described in the corridor plan will be funded. Several toll and non-toll options will be considered. Toll options may include “open” versus “closed” toll systems, managed lanes, variable pricing and high occupancy toll lanes. Non-toll options may include the Highway Fund, bonds and other financing methods.
