U-4434: Independence Boulevard Extension

Preliminary Engineering Activities for this project have resumed.

This project proposes to extend Independence Boulevard (S.R. 1209) by 1.7 miles from Randall Parkway to U.S. 74 (Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway) in Wilmington.

Project Vicinity Map

This map is for reference only.

U-4434 Study Area Map

Project Overview:

The N.C. Department of Transportation is proposing to build a new road in Wilmington. The proposed 1.7-mile long Independence Boulevard Extension would be an extension of the existing Independence Boulevard (S.R. 1209) on new location from the intersection with Randall Parkway and Mercer Avenue to Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway (U.S. 74). The purpose of the project is to improve traffic movement in the City by creating a new north‐south roadway. The proposed project is listed in the 2020-2029 NCDOT State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) as Project Number U-4434.

Project Highlights:

Two design alternatives are being considered. They both share the same alignment but have a different interchange option at Market Street. The two interchange options are a single point urban interchange (SPUI) and a tight urban diamond interchange (TUDI). Both interchange options would require less land area than a traditional interchange.

The proposed new road would be an elevated, four-lane roadway. The roadway would begin just south of the intersection with Randall Parkway and Mercer Avenue and travel north, between Covil Avenue and Mercer Avenue to Market Street. It would then continue north, just west of Evans Street on new location and end at Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. South of Market Street, the roadway would be elevated crossing over the CSX Railroad and Darlington Avenue. Darlington Avenue would be extended from Covil Avenue to Mercer Avenue to allow for cars and pedestrians to cross under the new roadway. North of Market Street, the roadway would be an elevated structure from Market Street to Hurst Street. A greenway is proposed along the east side of the roadway from Randall Parkway to Maides Park. The greenway would not be elevated.

Project Options:

Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI) Alternative

The SPUI alternative provides better traffic operation. Both left turn lanes at the Market Street intersection can move at the same time. Pedestrian crossings at Market Street provided by the SPUI alternative require pedestrians to cross the right turns to and from the ramps without a separate pedestrian signal. These pedestrian crossings are located under a bridge and may require the addition of lighting for safety. The SPUI alternative would require the relocation of 58 homes and 29 businesses, which is less residential and business relocations than the TUDI alternative.

U-4434 SPUI Alternative 1

U-4434 Alternatives Map Legend

Tight Urban Diamond Interchange (TUDI) Alternative

The TUDI alternative would provide pedestrians a crosswalk that is timed with traffic signals. Pedestrian crossings would occur away from the bridge structure and would not require extra lighting. The TUDI alternative would require the relocation of 69 homes and 37 businesses, which is more than the SPUI alternative.

U-4434 TUDI Alternative 2

U-4434 Alternatives Map Legend

Project Schedule

Milestone	Anticipated Date*
Project Planning Studies	Underway
Draft Environmental Impact Statement	2022
Public Hearing	2022
Final Environmental Impact Statement	2023
Record of Decision	2023
Right-of-Way Acquisition	2024
Construction	2028

Future dates are subject to change.

Project Funding

Activity	Estimated Amount*
Right of Way Acquisition	$ 88.7 Million
Utility Relocation	$ 3.6 Million
Construction Costs	$ 122.3 Million
Total Cost	$ 214.6 Million

*Estimated costs are subject to change.

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

U-4434: Independence Boulevard Extension Survey

The N.C. Department of Transportation is seeking comments and ideas from the residents neighboring the Independence Boulevard Extension Project about the types of improvements or benefits that could...

View Results

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Comments/Questions

NCDOT accepts comments throughout all phases of project development.
The public is encouraged to leave comments using the project email or phone number.

Email: [email protected]

Phone number: 601-300-5186 enter project code 4173

All comments received carry equal weight, regardless of submission method.

All comments will be reviewed and suggestions/recommendations incorporated into designs where feasible.

Project Webpage

For additional information about the project such as estimated costs, schedule, and maps, please visit our project webpage:
www.ncdot.gov/projects/independence-boulevard

RESOURCES FOR PROPERTY OWNERS

Although the N.C. Department of Transportation works to minimize the number of homes and businesses displaced by a road project, it is inevitable, in many cases, that a certain amount of private property is needed. The following information explains right of way acquisition and answers questions about the process.

Right-of-Way Brochure Single Page Layout Folleto del Proceso de Adquisición de Bienes Raíces
Right-of-Way Frequently Asked Questions

Right of way Acquisition Process Videos

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