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GATESVILLE – A plan to improved NC 32 through Gates County may include extra wide paved shoulders to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians.

The Gates County Board of Commissioners were updated about the plan at their regularly scheduled meeting on Oct. 16.

Lisa Cherry, the county’s Planning and Economic Development Director, said the North Carolina Department of Transportation has plans to modernize NC 32 from Chowan County northward to the state line.

Cherry said she was recently notified about this project, which includes bicycle and pedestrian facilities through the use of four-foot paved shoulders.

The vehicle travel lanes will measure 12 feet each in width.

“I was unaware of this, but Gates County is part of a 300-mile bike routes program which goes up and down the coast. They are considering seven foot paved shoulders,” Cherry told the commissioners.

“You have to tell them [NC DOT] what you would like,” Cherry continued. “They have sent their recommendation, but it will be up to you if you want them to come and meet with you at your pleasure. If you are interested in seeing a seven foot paved bike lane, you have to let them know that.”

The bike lane, at whatever width, will be on both shoulders of the road.

Cherry noted there would be an opportunity at a later date for public input regarding this project.

“They did something similar on US 158 near Sunbury and the public was invited to come out and offer input,” Cherry stated.

Right-of-way surveys are currently underway along NC 32, Cherry said, adding that more information about the project will be made available once those survey crews have completed their preliminary work.

The project is listed on the NC DOT’s State Transportation Improvement Plan, which is available online. Details for the project call to modernize the roadway 17.27 miles from Gliden Road to the state line.

The cost of the project is listed at $132,061,000 of which $56 million is needed for right-of-way and relocation of existing utilities.

The project currently has 2028 scheduled for right-of-way acquisition. Construction is projected to begin in 2031.