Arguments for Freeway Don't Make Sense

Sunday, January 22, 2012

By Stephen Later

Special to The Pilot

"Tis a lesson you should heed - try, try again. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."

So wrote American educator Thomas H. Palmer in 1840, and so proceeds the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) in 2012 in its drive to impose a U.S. 1 freeway on southern Moore County.

NCDOT has served up a range of ration-ales for the construction of a U.S. 1 freeway. But clearly, none justifies this testament to one-size-fits-all transportation planning.

Samuel Johnson observed that (false) patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel. And yet, "national security" was the first argument rolled out by NCDOT to rationalize its U.S. 1 freeway plan and its $150 million price tag. This contention was, however, short-lived after Fort Bragg officials disclaimed the freeway. Col. Stephen Sicinksi, the Fort Bragg garrison commander, said a U.S. 1 bypass provided "no national security benefits."

NCDOT pointed to "freight" and claimed that U.S. 1 is "vital to the economic welfare of the entire state" and its "global competitiveness." Of course, neither Hoffman nor Rockingham is a significant freight center, and U.S. 1 runs as a two-lane local road for miles into South Carolina. NCDOT even pointed to "industry headed for Global TransPark." The Global TransPark, a state-sponsored industrial park near Kinston, hosts a total of 14 tenants and 370 employees and is located 117 miles from U.S. 1.

NCDOT argued that a U.S. 1 freeway is critical since Moore County is within "the 50-mile evacuation zone" for the Shearon Harris Nuclear Generating Station. Progress Energy officials confirm, however, that there is no state or federal 50-mile evacuation zone for Shearon Harris. The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission establishes evacuation zones for nuclear facilities, and the national standard, in force for more than three decades, is 10 miles.

NCDOT contended that a U.S. 1 freeway through southern Moore County is necessary because U.S. 1 is a "national road from Maine to Florida." U.S. 1 carries a notable route number, yet its designation is a mere relic of its historical importance before the construction of Interstate 95. There are no federal mandates for construction of a U.S. 1 freeway in Moore County, and U.S. 1 is a minor local road in countless locales between Maine and Florida, including many areas in South Carolina and Virginia.

NCDOT offered the Orwellian claim that a U.S. 1 freeway will "enhance the environment." During the past nine years alone, NCDOT twice drew bypass routes through the Walthour-Moss Foundation, a 4,200-acre nature preserve between Southern Pines and Fort Bragg.

The preservation of our natural environment thus compels us, according to NCDOT, to bulldoze thousands of trees and lay miles of steel and pavement through a pristine longleaf pine forest. We must, to paraphrase a perhaps apocryphal Vietnam-era spokesman, destroy the environment in order to save it.

NCDOT adapted the six-degrees-of-separation concept to hurricane evacuation routes and, conceding that the "major hurricane evacuation routes" are located in eastern North Carolina, argued the need for a U.S. 1 freeway in southern Moore County on the grounds that "those routes to the east ... intersect highways that intersect with U.S. 1."

U.S. 1 intersects with highways that intersect with highways in southern California so, according to this logic, a freeway in southern Moore County is important for earthquake evacuation plans in Los Angeles.

'Established Vision?'

NCDOT contends that a U.S. 1 freeway through southern Moore County is essential because "each corridor has an established vision" (albeit a vision established by NCDOT).

The posted speed limits on most roads in the state vary, of course, but NCDOT claims that "consistency" is critical, and it is unsafe for drivers to be distracted by changes in speed limits.

Therefore, NCDOT argues, U.S. 1 needs to be built to freeway standards from Rockingham to Raleigh. Indeed, to Raleigh, but not in or through Raleigh.

There are sections of U.S. 1 in Raleigh that are designated as expressways, rather than freeways, in the Strategic Highway Corridor vision plan.

There are, further, other Strategic Highway Corridors with sections that range from thoroughfare (the most unrestricted road classification) to freeway (the most restricted road designation). NCDOT thus asserts that, although this arrangement is part of the established NCDOT plan in other parts of our state, it is "unsafe" in southern Moore County.

The latest claim by NCDOT is that a U.S. 1 freeway through southern Moore County is "required" under "state and federal law."

The NCDOT freeway plan is simply a result of the designation of U.S. 1 as a freeway by NCDOT in its Strategic Highway Corridor Plan in 2005. The Strategic Highway Corridor Plan is, however, merely a planning document adopted by the Easley administration without the approval of the General Assembly and marked by the political priorities of its proponents.

Compelled by Growth?

There is no specific requirement in state or federal law that compels, much less addresses, changes to U.S. 1 in Moore County. (A 1989 state law prioritized efforts to four-lane U.S. 1 throughout the state, including Moore County.) In fact, just nine years ago, an NCDOT supervisor stated under oath that NCDOT staff planned to recommend the deletion of the Southern Pines-Aberdeen bypass project from the state transportation plan.

NCDOT also tells us that "growth" compels construction of a U.S. 1 freeway and points to increasing average daily traffic counts in Aberdeen. NCDOT interestingly contended, through one of its contractors, that 35 percent of the traffic on U.S. 1 in Aberdeen is "through traffic" rather than local traffic.

The contractor conceded that its calculations were based on generic models rather than local traffic patterns or studies.

NCDOT, although it subsequently disclaimed any reliance on this flawed model, thus called for - and continues to call for - a bypass before the conduct of an origin and destination study on this corridor (a study used to determine traffic patterns in which motorists are asked about their travel origins and destinations) and despite the logical conclusions of its own traffic data.

Traffic data surveys by NCDOT underscore that the congestion on U.S. 1 is not "through traffic" that can be moved at freeway speeds through or around our communities on a freeway.

NCDOT counted between 31,000 and 36,000 cars per day on U.S. 1 near U.S. 15-501 in 2010 - and yet, just 11,000 on U.S. 1 at the Lee County line and just 7,500 at the Richmond County line.

Therefore, if NCDOT is correct, all traffic passing over the county lines is headed through, rather than to, Moore County. We know that southern Moore County is a regional destination for educational, service, and retail activities and, of course, most of this traffic is headed for destinations on or near the U.S. 1 corridor.

Creative Plans Needed

Further, as through traffic tends to be more spread out over a 24-hour period than retail and commuter traffic, less highway capacity is needed to carry the same amount of daily traffic.

NCDOT talks about "context-sensitive" planning, but its singular focus on a U.S. 1 bypass betrays a mindset in which, whether congestion problems result from local traffic or through traffic, a freeway is the only solution.

However, improvements to U.S. 1, in a manner that preserves its character as a local road and commercial thoroughfare - and to the adjacent street network - will address traffic needs and enhance efficiency in the corridor.

The limited resources available to state government underscore the need for creative and thoughtful transportation planning.

We Moore County residents, and the taxpayers of this state, must continue to work together to ensure that efforts to remove this freeway designation, as set forth in resolutions adopted by the Moore County Commission and the councils of Aberdeen, Pinebluff, Pinehurst, and Southern Pines, are successful and that the brakes are put on the NCDOT drive for a U.S. 1 freeway.

Local attorney Stephen Later is vice chairman of the Walthour-Moss Foundation.

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SH59 1 year, 3 months ago

It feels like the need to create a by-pass is an easy alternative to cleaning up the mess the DOT has made by thoughtless and confusing decisions in designing how the traffic flows. Try cleaning up what we have with more thoughtful attention to lights, entrances and turns before deciding to scrap the whole thing.

MCNative 1 year, 3 months ago

I have lived here in Moore County most of my life, all of my adult life. I have spent countless hours working in my local community and many many more doing volunteer work at our public schools. I have had three children go through the County's school system and have a nine year old son and a five year old grandson in these schools now, with another due to start in few short years. I love it here in Moore County and love the people here.

It has been my experience that there are many in our county who are only interested in their own little corner or area of interest. That is what I see with this whole U.S. 1 issue. I was on the Moore County Transportation Committee that was entrusted with the job of developing the long range plan that is the subject of this article as well as many others. The citizens of Moore County had an unprecedented opportunity to develop our own plan. I travel the roads of Moore County almost daily and have seen many areas where this bypass would be helpful. The traffic in Aberdeen is often a nightmare and unsafe. The amount of traffic that goes through Pinebluff and the high rates of speed in which they travel, make it very dangerous for the citizens in that town to even cross U.S. 1 in many instances. A bypass would help keep the citizens of Pinebluff and Aberdeen much safer in the long run.

The author of this article used a quote from Thomas H. Palmer to illustrate a point. I personally feel that a more appropriate point was made by Aristotle. "Even supposing the chief good to be eventually the aim for the individual as for the state, that of the state is evidently of greater and more fundamental importance both to attain and to preserve. The securing of one individual's good is cause for rejoicing, but to secure the good of a nation or of a city-state is nobler and more divine." More simply stated by Jeremy Bentham, "It is the greatest good to the greatest number of people which is the measure of right and wrong."

In short, It's not about you, It is about what is best for all of us.

siya 1 year, 3 months ago

MCNative, clearly you did not review the proposed bypass properly, as it clearly has the bypass ending BEFORE Pinebluff, hence NO so called improvement for those citizens. According to your scenario the bypass will be built,, pristine forests destroyed and traffic still congested on the "Old US-1" because our traffic is local. The concrete Bypass however will only have approximately 7500 cars on it which by the way is less than half of what is currently on Morganton Road. What a great legacy for your childrens children.

Mr Later - Thank you for all your hard work and efforts thus far.

bruce28258 1 year, 3 months ago

Siya - Could you refer us to the website with your transportation numbers or the report your are quoting from. Is the 7500 current (2011 numbers) or 30 years out? I can't find information about any bypass online. Thank you.

Thistle 1 year, 3 months ago

MCNative, Thank you for your considerable service to our community. It is unfortunate that there are not more amongst us that recognize the need for community service. However, it appears that you have formed your opinion based on erroneous information. Mr. Later aptly points out that the traffic studies indicate that the majority of the Southern Pines/Aberdeen traffic is in fact local traffic and would therefore still exist even with a bypass. Furthermore, as Siya correctly points out new construction would not bypass Pinebluff. In essence, you have unknowingly made a very strong argument for opposing the bypass. It is clear based on Mr. Later's thorough analysis that the bypass, as described by the NCDOT, serves no benefit to this county and certainly not at the tremendous financial cost to the State and the priceless cost to natural resources and a unique way of life that makes Moore County so different from every other small community in this State or Country. Just because Moore County citizens might have ignored this threat several years ago, doesn't mean we should discard now a desire to preserve the wonderful character of our community. We must NOT assume that the bureaucrats, with a budget to spend, will appreciate and understand what is best for us and this community.

Mr. Later we are fortunate that you have taken the time to so carefully outline the various issues- thank you!

Thatcher 1 year, 3 months ago

I don't have a dog in this fight, but I think Mr. Later's column is very persuasive. I'm anxious to see how this turns out.

siya 1 year, 3 months ago

Bruce28258 - www.ncdot.gov/travel/statemapping/tra...>

You can search by year and then by county. The latest numbers are from 2010, I believe they are in the process of getting 2011 figures but they are not as yet available. It shouldnt really matter as if you compare year 2000 with year 2010 there is little to no difference in the numbers. There are so many 2 lane roads that have a similar or higher traffic count than US-1 south of Aberdeen. Its just such a crazy idea when you bear in mind that the proponents of the Bypass have no suggestion to ease the traffic volume on the existing roads.

MCNative 1 year, 3 months ago

Still, all of the facts and figures aside, We, the people of Moore County, are the ones who have been handed the responsibility for coming up with a plan for the long term highways of the County. If you are going to argue a point, do so objectively and not from the point of view of the injured. I mean, was no one listening when Jimmy Melton and Nick Picerno said on several occasions, that this is up to us. Not the State and not any other organization. This plan is ours and we as citizens of Moore County will be the people drawing up our long range plan. The State has said on more over and over that they have no intentions of forcing a road through the Moss Foundation, unless the people of the County indicate that they feel it is the best route. I do not work for the State of North Carolina or any other governmental entity and am not promoting one side over any other. I listened and heard the elected officials of our County and the representatives from the NCDOT say over and over that this is our decision. I do not understand why those whose only interest is the Moss Foundation are not listening.

However, I stand by my initial response. "The needs of the many out weigh the needs of the few." Now that quote I will attribute to Captain James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock but, it still illustrates the point. I realize that quoting Kirk and Spock will set off bells of disapproval and ridicule from those who believe they are intellectually superior. Whether I agree or disagree with the eventual route of a U.S. 1 bypass, I will accept it because it is what the people of Moore County believe is best.

tfd0103 1 year, 3 months ago

MCNative, when the long range transportation plan was being developed for Moore County was there any weight given to how many homeowners and businesses woud be effected by a bypass? It is obvious by looking at a map that dozens if not over a hundred homeowners would be directly impacted and probably twice that many see their communities change by a bypass through their neighborhood. As a resident of Highland Trails in Southern Pines in the path of the 2006 bypass route I am holding out on putting any money into my property that is not immediately needed in case eminent domain is used or if a route is proposed that would require me to declare that fact when selling my house until NCDOT decides (in the end it would be naive to think they won't do whatever they think is required to meet their mandate, whatever PR firm they hire to run those charrettes). If a bypass is truly needed to the point it is worth removing people from their homes and communities, so be it. If it is not truly required and does not achieve any substantial goals, that is abuse by government.

MCNative 1 year, 3 months ago

You do not appear to be getting the point. All of what you say was and is being considered. The people of Moore County are the ones drawing the maps, not NCDOT. You, as did every citizen, were given the opportunity to have your voice heard. It will more than likely run right through my home as well. I considered the best interest of the whole County and the State during my map drawing sessions. I did not let my inconvenience be the deciding factor when my group made our maps. It is what good citizens do. I understand that some people have a mistrust of government, I just do not.

SandhillsCitizen 1 year, 3 months ago

Does anyone believe that DOT cares what Moore County residents think? These people came here and lied, yes lied, to us about this freeway. National security. Well, maybe not. Required by law? Well, maybe not. Shearon Harris evacuation. Oops, not true either. This is all about keeping budgets and staff at DOT. I went to one of the meetings and the DOT speaker said, point blank, that they plan to build this whether we want it or not. They'll build it where they want it unless we fight them. The charettes were just window dressing. The "plan" is for roads we want, not the roads DOT wants. They'll build those anyway. This freeway is not in the best interests of the state as a whole just because these bureaucrats tell us it is. The same bureaucrats who didn't bother to study traffic patterns before deciding we need a freeway? For all that commerce coming from Rockingham? Please. No wonder the state and country are broke. No wonder most people don't trust government. Let's focus on real priorities and needs.