At its recent regular meeting on July 22, the Pinehurst Council unanimously adopted a five-year plan to enhance multimodal transportation throughout the community.
The Multi-Modal Transportation Implementation Plan is a comprehensive guide for improving pathway connectivity throughout Pinehurst between fiscal years 2026 and 2030.
“The Village of Pinehurst envisions a community where pedestrians, cyclists, and golf carts coexist harmoniously within a well-connected, safe, and accessible transportation network,” describes the official plan. “By integrating multi-modal transportation options, we aim to enhance mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and promote a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle for all residents and visitors.”
The plan delineated priorities that respond to resident input from community surveys, which have consistently indicated support for more walkable and bikeable infrastructure.
“I did note that the additional walkways in our community surveys were the number one item that our residents were supportive of,” recalled Mayor Patrick Pizzella. “Much further down the list were bicycle lanes … but additional walkways were way up there.”
The plan also provides the formal documentation required to apply for several external funding sources, including state and federal transportation grants, which would enable the project to proceed on the projected timeline.
The estimated cost of implementing the plan exceeds the Village’s current annual sidewalk allocation of $460,000. However, the outlined strategy pursues public-private partnerships, sponsorships, and external grants to supplement local funding.
Planned sidewalk projects include:
Juniper Creek Boulevard (Deerwood to North Entrance)
Morganton Road (Hwy 5 to 15-501)
Burning Tree Road (Pine Vista to Lake Forest Dr.)
Lake Forest Dr. (Burning Tree to Lost Tree Rd.)
Lost Tree Rd. (Lake Forest to McKenzie Rd.)
Monticello Rd. (Hwy 5 to Morganton Rd.)
A pedestrian crossing through the traffic circle
Bicycle projects include:
Multi-use path along Airport Road (Forest Creek to McKinnon Rd) — partially funded
Colored multi-use path along Highway 5 to Highway 2/USGA
Multi-use path along the railroad from Linden Road (Pinewild) to Highway 5
Multi-use path under powerlines from Linden Road to the Pinehurst Resort Beach
Golf cart access priorities include:
Legal golf cart crossing at NC 15-501 for Pinehurst No. 6
Consideration of additional permanent and event-based parking options
Supporting plans and ordinances
In addition to planned paths for pedestrians, bicyclists, and golf cart users, the plan also allows for other multi-use projects.
The Village Greenway Master Plan builds on an existing six-mile trail and ultimately envisions a 24-mile network of paths for walking, running, and cycling. The Greenway Habitat Committee continues to document local plant and wildlife species along these routes.
The Engineering Standards and Specifications Manual, first adopted in 2004 and currently under review by Kimley-Horn, outlines the technical requirements for sidewalks and greenways in new developments.
The Pinehurst Development Ordinance establishes development rules, including the requirement for sidewalk installation in certain residential and non-residential areas, and defines greenways as passive-use trails with no vehicle traffic permitted, except for maintenance purposes.
With the plan now formally adopted after passing unanimously, Village staff can now begin prioritizing projects, coordinating with regional partners, and applying for external funding opportunities.
~Article by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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*Feature photo and graphic via Village of Pinehurst.
