The N.C. Department of Transportation wants to hear feedback on the proposed Kinston Bypass project. The four-lane, median-divided freeway would extend 22-miles between La Grange and Dover. The new roadway will improve regional mobility and capacity, as well as reduce congestion that currently exists on Highway 70 through Lenoir, Jones, and Craven counties. NCDOT is seeking public comment on 12 different alternatives.
"The department is in the process of selecting a preferred alternative. In order to do that, we need public input,” said Heather Lane, assistant division construction engineer for NCDOT. “The open house and the hearing give the public an opportunity to view those alternatives and their associated environmental impacts and provide us feedback on which alternative they prefer and why."
The Kinston Bypass project was included in the 2020-2029 State Transportation Improvement Program released earlier this month. Construction is expected to begin in 2027.
A Draft Environmental Impact Statement, is available for public review at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library, Cove City-Craven Library, and the La Grange Public Library. The public is invited to the following open house meetings and hearing:
Saturday, Aug. 17
Kinston-Lenoir Public Library
510 Queen Street
Kinston, NC 28504
Open house: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Due to limited space, maps will only be shown electronically.
Monday, Aug. 19
Lenoir Community College Student Center
231 N.C. 58 South
Kinston, NC 28504
Open house: 2 – 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 20
Lenoir Community College Student Center
231 N.C. 58 South
Kinston, NC 28504
Open house: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Pre-hearing open house: 3 – 6:30 p.m.; Hearing: 7 p.m.