Lincoln County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lincoln County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Traffic congestion and growth in the Denver area
Speaker after speaker — and multiple public commenters — said traffic on Highway 73 and NC 16 Business is out of control, with school pickup lines blocking lanes and new developments adding thousands of trips. Residents want the county to slow approvals until NCDOT fixes roads.
St. James Church Road/NC 16 intersection safety
Residents have been worried about crashes at St. James Church Road and NC 16, which has no traffic light. NCDOT has secured safety and mobility funding to signalize the intersection, with construction targeted for next summer.
Triangle/Unity Church Road/Business 16 intersection improvements
The long-awaited Triangle intersection project is finally under contract after utility delays. Utility work should wrap up within a month, with completion expected in about a year and a half, adding three approach lanes in every direction.
NC 73 and other new project submittals in P8 prioritization
The board sent a letter to NCDOT in March voicing frustration over lack of state road funding help, and is encouraging residents to email state decision-makers directly.
Traffic congestion on N.C. 73 corridor in Denver area
Both the EJG commercial project and Iron Gate hinge on traffic on N.C. 73, where a full fix would cost roughly $40 million and requires state funding. Residents say the corridor is already failing and cumulative impacts aren't being studied.
Garden Street turn lane removal request
The developer of a 127-home subdivision wants to skip building two turn lanes on Highway 150 because it can't buy the right-of-way. Neighbors say the intersection is already dangerous and removing the lanes would be irresponsible.