The Pinehurst Village Council approved an agreement Tuesday to move forward with the design phase of a planned greenway along Airport Road. The project is intended to improve bicycle and pedestrian connections along the busy corridor.
“The goal is straightforward: provide safer bike and pedestrian access along a busy corridor, connect neighborhoods and nearby destinations, and create a practical option for short trips that might otherwise be made by car,” writes Village Manager Doug Willardson in the official memo.
During the meeting, council members unanimously approved a locally administered project agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The agreement authorizes $188,750 for preliminary engineering and environmental documentation required before construction funding can be pursued.
The design phase will be funded largely through federal Carbon Reduction Program money awarded through the Sandhills Metropolitan Planning Organization. The village received a $151,000 federal grant and will provide a 20% local match of $37,750.
Willardson told council the proposed multi-use path would run along Airport Road (N.C. 5) from the traffic circle near McKinnon Road toward the airport, ending near Forest Creek. The project is intended to improve safety and provide an alternative transportation option along the corridor.
“These types of projects are eligible for carbon reduction funding because they can reduce vehicle trips and improve transportation options,” Willardson said.
The Airport Road Greenway is part of the village’s broader effort to expand a network of pedestrian and bicycle connections linking neighborhoods and destinations across the community.
Willardson said the next step will be hiring an engineering firm to complete design work and environmental reviews required by the state transportation department. He estimated the process could take about eight to nine months.
The engineering work will determine details such as environmental constraints, potential utility conflicts, and design standards required for a project involving state and federal funding.
Construction costs have not yet been determined. Earlier conceptual discussions suggested the project could cost around $400,000, but that estimate may increase due to state and federal requirements.
Once design work is complete, the village will return to another session with updated cost estimates and funding options.
Willardson said village staff will also coordinate with nearby Southern Pines to determine how construction costs could be shared if the project moves forward.
To watch the full March 10 meeting on video, please click here.
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Written by Sandhills Sentinel assistant editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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