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ZEBULON - During the Development Authority of Pike County meeting last Wednesday, a feasibility study was presented on a truck bypass for Zebulon. David Millen from Johnson, Mirmiran, & Thompson, Inc. made the presentation to members of the authority and others who attended the meeting.

[Note from the Editor: I added a question mark to the title because this project is in the planning phase and is not approved at this time. The title needs to reflect what is written in the article. I apologize for my error.]

The project will be completed in phases in the next several years and will be a safe and easy way for large trucks to get from north Zebulon on Highway 19 to Highway 18 going toward Concord and Molena without having to navigate the Square in Zebulon.

The bypass could also help with traffic congestion in downtown Zebulon and enable economic growth by providing access to undeveloped land and provide access to industry in this area of the county.

Millen pointed out that the population has grown by 5.6% since 2020 and that the downtown corridor faces significant traffic that has contributed to congestion in Zebulon. There have been 327 crashed with 2 serious injuries and no fatalities from 2020 through 2024.

By 2045, Pike County’s population may increase by 27.8% to 24,145 residents with the volume of truck traffic and overall traffic increasing with that growth. Millen noted that land use plans are focused on balancing growth with rural character and directing development along major corridors.

Environmental and community impacts in the area of this bypass include a study of streams, wetlands, and 16 protected species along with environmental compliance of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Clean Water Act. A first study of the wetlands, streams, and stream buffers was completed in July of 2024.

There are also 1 historic property and 3 cemeteries within the study area, but none of these are within the right of way limits of this roadway project. Alignment will be designed to avoid major utilities. Millen recommended having an advisory group and public participation with this project.

The total length of the project will be 1.9 miles. There will be 3 segments. The project will have an intersection at Highway 19 and go to the area of Williamson-Zebulon Road, then go to the area of County Farm Road, and then to Highway 18 where there also likely be an intersection with turn lanes and a traffic signal.

The .05, .06, and .08 miles of construction including a possibility of turn lanes and a traffic signal on the last segment at Highway 18 is projected to cost in the neighborhood of $5,350,000. There are plans for 100 feet of right of way to accommodate a future State Route Designation in order to apply for state and federal funds, but the project will have a rural design with shoulders and ditches rather than curbing in order to allow expansion at a later time if needed.

Millen advised that the project is needed to address current and future traffic congestion with an emphasis on truck traffic. This will improve safety, support economic development, and maintain quality of life in Zebulon and Pike County.

The first .05 mile of construction will begin across the road from the Pike County VA and eventually link to Concord Street/Highway 18.

State and federal funding are going to be a part of this project that could be completed in the next 3 to 5 years.

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