Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this project funded?
The US 501/US 221 Intersection Improvement Project, also known as the 501/221 Split Pair, is funded by city, state, and federal sources.
What is a split one-way pair?
A split one-way pair, also referred to in this project as a split pair, is a traffic engineering strategy in which a major two-way roadway is divided into two distinct one-way roads to help alleviate traffic congestion. In this instance, US 501 will be divided into two separate one-way roads, one for northbound traffic and one for southbound traffic. Each road will intersect US 221 at different locations with adjusted lane configurations to support traffic flow and management.
Beyond roadway work, what other major changes are being considered for this project?
To move vehicles from the new northbound US 501 lane to the P.F.C. Desmond Doss Memorial Expressway, a bridge will be constructed over Old Forest Road to keep traffic flowing rather than having an at-grade, signalized intersection. Additionally, existing traffic entrance and exit points along the US 501 and US 221 corridors will be re-evaluated for safety and efficiency. Pedestrian access improvements throughout the project and a new bus stop behind the Fresh Market shopping center will also be incorporated with the project.
How will the changes alleviate traffic and address past safety issues?
In accordance with federal and state procedures, multiple design concepts and improvement options were previously evaluated for the US 501/US 221 intersection. The selected split pair design enhances safety by reducing the number of conflicting vehicle movements at each intersection. Traffic analysis for the year 2045 shows that separating northbound and southbound US 501 traffic significantly improves operations compared to the existing configuration thus reducing congestion. New sidewalks and a shared use path will make it more user-friendly for pedestrians. Existing traffic signals will be reconstructed and signalized pedestrian movements will be incorporated.
During construction and after project completion, temporary and permanent signs will be installed to clearly guide drivers through the project area.
When will this project be completed? How long will construction take?
The current project schedule shows construction is expected to begin in 2029 and take approximately 2.5 to 3 years to complete.