The History of Liberty Road ExitEnka-Candler Business Association

1985-2016

Timeline of business activism and NCDOT actions to have a new I-40

Exit for Candler built

1985-1990

• Community first started asking for Dogwood exit• Business community leaders (I-26 Corridor

Association) work with elected officials and NCDOT for I-26 connector & Dogwood Candler exit

• John Sutton Sr. pushed for Dogwood exit feasibility study on Transportation board

• 1988 Feasibility Study done for Dogwood Rd exit.• Project denied: Cost-benefit, weigh station • 1990 Plats Canaan Acres & Whispering Oaks

1992-1998

• Community focus changed to I-26 connector

• Candler Dogwood exit part of plan

• 1992 NCDOT proposed two paths I-26 connector. – Candler Beltway or widen I-240 and US 19/23

• 1993 City route selected for connector

• Nov 1998 NCDOT announced many statewide projects delayed two years due to budget issues (I-26 connector and Dogwood exit)

1999-2000

• 1999 Citizens hear Dogwood exit to be dropped by NCDOT

• 1999 Local business leaders push again start letter writing campaign

• 2000 NCDOT STIP released with no Dogwood exit recommendation

2001-2002

• 2001 NCDOT agrees to re-evaluate Dogwood exit feasibility study

• 2002 NCDOT Denies Project

– Same 1998 concerns

– Determines Liberty Road route a feasible alternative (map)

2002-2004

• Community push back on Liberty alternative

• Suggests moving weigh station for Dogwood exit instead

• 2004 NCDOT recommends Dogwood exit added to STIP

• Sept 2004 MPO board votes for Dogwood

2005-2008

• 2006 Feds say no to Dogwood moving weigh station

• 2006 Plats Canaan Acres & Whispering Oaks add more homes

• Business Community Shift to Liberty Rd alternative

• 2008 MPO report gives Liberty Rd highest priority status

2009

• July 2009 NCDOT Citizen Workshop held on Liberty Alternative

• Projected completion date 2015

• Mixed community comments still want Dogwood

2012

• ECBA renews community push to bring back Liberty exit priority

• Recommendation that Liberty exit be accelerated in MPO’s Long Range plan

• Mixed support, some question if exit needed at all, other priorities

2013 - 2015

• ECBA presents comments of support at all NCDOT STIP meetings, social media campaign, asks elected officials to support

• NCGA changes formula Liberty becomes funded on STIP

• 2014 NCDOT new feasibility study for Liberty exit

• 2015 ECBA asks MPO to amend STIP accelerate exit over Biltmore & Sweeten Creek

2016

• August 30th NCDOT public meeting on 3 alternative Liberty exit plans

• Survey shows most businesses like #2, MPO likes #2

• 2015 NCDOT new exit 44 plan, Liberty Rd 1st & environmental join us

• New Timelines– Right of ways 2019– Begin Construction 2021

Liberty Exit History TakeawaysKeep pushing & going to meetings

• 4 Feasibility studies & 3 public meetings since 1988

• NCDOT will move Liberty Exit on and off STIP when higher priorities or funding pressures arise

• Comments at meetings have not been united and are noted in all NCDOT reports for denial or delay

• The Cost to build continues to increase over time

• Number of displaced homeowners has increased over time

• No right of ways have been bought to date

Member recommendations:1. Attend/encourage others go to Public Meeting

2. Leave only positive comments3. Liberty Rd only comments

4. Continue to pressure until right of ways are bought

NCDOT Public Meeting (drop in event)August 30th 4pm-7pmFrancis Asbury Church

725 Asbury Rd, Candler, NC 28715

Now, let’s review current maps