To improve traffic capacity and safety along the US 17 and Market Street corridor in Wilmington, North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Transportation selected STV to provide overall design and plan development for the Military Cutoff Road Extension. The project extended the mainline alignment of Military Cutoff Road and delivered a major multimodal transportation improvement serving both regional motorists and active transportation users. In addition to roadway expansion, the project prioritized bicycle and pedestrian connectivity through integration with the Middle Sound Greenway.
What challenges did STV address?
Traffic volumes in New Hanover County are projected to increase substantially over the next 20 years, with average daily traffic on some area roads expected to more than double by 2035. The extension was designed to relieve congestion along the US 17 corridor, improve safety, and provide a new route for traffic traveling to area beaches while reducing through traffic on existing roadways. The alignment also bisected a portion of Ogden Park, requiring careful attention to maintaining and improving multimodal access through a sensitive recreational area.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV provided comprehensive design services for the $106 million project, including roadway design, multi‑use path design, hydraulics, erosion control, traffic control planning and permitting for the five‑mile roadway extension. Nearly four miles of multi‑use path were incorporated into the six‑lane roadway typical section with two new interchanges. This included 3.6 miles of 10‑foot‑wide multi‑use path through Ogden Park and along adjacent roadways, as well as a construction revision adding a 0.4‑mile connection from the Middle Sound Greenway, largely within an aerial electrical utility easement.
How does this project benefit the community?
While initially planned to improve traffic capacity and regional connectivity, the project significantly enhanced safety and accessibility for pedestrians and bicyclists. The multi‑use paths provide continuous active transportation connections from a large residential community to Ogden Park and onward to Market Street, strengthening access to recreational spaces and an urban business corridor.
Key stats and accolades
- Nearly four miles of multi‑use path integrated into a five‑mile roadway extension project.
- Middle Sound Greenway connection providing expanded bicycle and pedestrian access within an existing utility easement.
- Six‑lane roadway with two new interchanges designed to improve safety and capacity along a growing regional corridor.
- Engineering Excellence Award from American Council of Engineering Companies of North Carolina.
