CORRIDOR VISION AND LAND USE STRATEGY

Corridor Vision Statement

"To partner with local, regional, and state government agencies to effectively support initiatives enhancing safety, mobility and economic vitality along the Highway 70 corridor through land use planning, transportation improvement, and economic development strategies. This partnership is represented by the US 70 Corridor Commission, whose vision is to transform US 70 into a freeway from Interstate 40 to the coast. Some of the transformation would take place along the existing roadway, while other sections would be built on new location. Local governments are actively involved to ensure compatibility with established communities and adopted plans."

With this in mind, the Commission in partnership with NCDOT has developed a conceptual Access Management Plan and Freeway Plan that reinforces the primary function of this strategic corridor for providing mobility between regional destinations. Together, the short-term and long-term recommendations outlined in the conceptual access management plan could demonstrate a substantial travel time reduction for US 70, while reducing the number and severity of potential crashes.

• Over the past 3 years, the US 70 Commission has partnered with NCDOT to secure over $30 million towards spot safety and hazard elimination projects
• Over $100 million of GARVEE Bonds have been secured for the Goldsboro and Havelock Bypasses

The US 70 Corridor Commission envisions converting the corridor to a full freeway, replacing traffic signals with interchanges and driveways with rear - or side - access to a connected secondary street system.  The intended benefits of a full freeway are three-fold

• Improve safety of travelers
• Reduce travel time
• Attract and retain employment and commercial activity

Corridor Land Use Strategy

In an effort to address land use issues and support economic vitality, the US 70 Corridor Commission unveiled the US 70 Access Management Handbook for consideration of its members. The handbook is intended to be used as an educational and implementation tool when applying access management strategies to the US 70 corridor. It provides measures and minimum standards consistent with the previous planning process along the corridor, and sets reasonable expectations for protecting the integrity of the transportation corridor. Included in the handbook is the draft model access management overlay ordinance—a legal framework for cities and counties to administer and enforce consistent access management standards along the entire 134-mile corridor.Click here to review or download the updated handbook.