Engineering Design Details

The 501/221 Split Pair project is currently in the preliminary engineering design phase. This engineering design concept, a Split Intersection (One-Way Pair) Alternative, will convert the existing two-way traffic flow on US 501 into separate one-way northbound and one-way southbound segments.  The southbound traffic will use the existing US 501 corridor, while northbound traffic will be directed onto a new alignment that will be approximately 0.51 miles in length. The new alignment is planned to begin approximately 0.25 miles south of the current US 501/US 221 intersection and end at its proposed connection to the existing Desmond T. Doss Expressway northwest of Old Forest Road. This new feature will result in two distinct intersections that are expected to carry less traffic than the original single intersection.

The new engineering design is generally built on the work completed previously with updates that also include a new bridge structure at the northern end of the project.

Ongoing traffic and stormwater analysis in the project area has begun and will continue as needed for data collection purposes.

Additional current activities include: 

• Geotechnical exploration work (through Fall 2026) to ensure proposed roadway alignment changes and stormwater basins can be safely implemented
• Stormwater basin evaluations
• Utility coordination to prepare for future utility relocations
• Environmental analysis
• Ongoing roadway, drainage, traffic, and bridge design work
• Development of plans for maintenance and protection of traffic during construction

This information will be updated as the project design progresses.