NC 73 Widening (R-5721)

Project Description

The N.C. Department of Transportation is proposing to improve 8.5 miles of N.C. 73 from N.C. 16 in Lincoln County to Northcross Drive (S.R. 2316) in Mecklenburg County. These improvements are included in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) as two state-funded projects: R-5721 and U-5765. However, they are being studied and documented together in a single environmental document known as an Environmental Assessment (EA).

• R-5721 - Widen N.C. 73 to multi-lanes from N.C. 16 to West Catawba Avenue.
• U-5765 - Widen N.C. 73 from West Catawba Avenue to Northcross Drive.

Two alternatives are being developed:

• Alternative 1: Best-fit widening along existing N.C. 73.
• Alternative 2: Best-fit widening along existing N.C. 73 with realignment options south of existing N.C. 73.

Based on preliminary analyses, four-lane and six-lane roadway cross-sections are being considered to accommodate future traffic volumes in the area.

Public Meeting Handout

The following series of maps shows the area of the corridor that is being studied. The direct impact of the widening associated with this project will occur within the impact areas depicted on each map.

Map 1
Map 2
Map 3

The maps showing the preliminary engineering for the projects can be viewed below:

Map 1
Map 2
Map 3
Map 4
Map 5

Intersection Design Concepts

In order to maintain mobility along the corridor through the Design Year of 2040 intersection designs outside of the traditional intersection concept will need to be explored. Two alternatives that will be analyzed along corridor include a Signalized Superstreet Intersection and the Continuous Flow Intersection.