GREENSBORO, N.C. - Concerned neighbors and the Department of Transportation met Thursday night, to discuss the final portions of the Urban Loop construction project, to let people living and commuting around the area know what they can expect in the next couple of years.
Most of the loop has been completed. The latest portion from Bryan Boulevard to Battleground was finished in April 2018.
To fully complete the loop, two phases are next - from Battleground to Lawndale, and from Lawndale to 29. Construction for both is happening simultaneously. The Battleground to Lawndale stretch should be complete by late 2020. As for Lawndale to 29, they're clearing trees to make room for the new road, then they'll work on grading and paving. The end date for the entire loop is 2023, but engineers are hoping to push that up to 2021.
As those dates get closer by the day, people yet to experience the orange cones and construction crews worry about what comes next - for their property values, their quality of life, and the potential for traffic.
The moderators of the discussion invited representatives from Greensboro's Department of Transportation, state DOT, and a real estate agent to discuss some of the concerns.
On this portion of the loop, there won't be major detours around the area when construction starts - but it could get down to one lane in some parts. The project will still be a 6-lane highway here. Finally, there will be no sound barriers - only a 4 foot tall woven wire fence. This is necause the Urban Loop plan was already in place before the neighborhoods were built.
Another big concern: home values. Because it's different home to home, a realtor was present at the meeting to answer those questions. Realtor Mike Carter says if your home is right up against the road or if you will hear traffic - your home value could go down. The loop could also be a value booster - especially for properties that aren't right on top loop, because it would be closer to a major road that makes it easier to get around the city.
City transportation officials told citizens who wanted a better view of the exact location of the future road to check out the Road Mapping Project Tool, which had been specifically created for the Urban Loop project, but now included a snapshot of Greensboro construction citywide.
► Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the WFMY News 2 App now