Major Expansion Underway: NC Highway 150 Widening Project in Mooresville, NC
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has initiated a significant infrastructure project to widen NC Highway 150 in Mooresville, aiming to alleviate longstanding traffic congestion and accommodate the region’s rapid growth.
Project Overview
The $269 million project focuses on expanding a 15-mile stretch of NC 150 along Lake Norman, from the NC 16 Bypass in Denver to U.S. 21 in Mooresville. The initial phase targets a six-mile segment between Greenwood Road in Terrell and U.S. 21 in Mooresville. Construction commenced in February 2025, with crews working primarily during overnight hours to minimize daytime traffic disruptions.
Key Features of the Widening Project
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Lane Expansion: The highway will be widened from its current configuration to six lanes, enhancing traffic flow and reducing congestion.
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New Bridges: The project includes constructing new bridges over Interstate 77 and Lake Norman, replacing outdated structures to improve safety and capacity.
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Improved Intersections: A continuous flow intersection will be installed at the junction of NC 150 and Williamson/Bluefield roads, allowing simultaneous left turns and through movements to prevent bottlenecks.
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Reduced Conflict Intersections: These designs will eliminate left turns from side roads onto the main highway, directing traffic to turn right before making a U-turn, thereby reducing potential collision points.
Construction Timeline and Impact
The project is slated for completion over five years, with an expected end date in 2030. Initial activities include tree removal and installation of erosion-control measures. Lane closures are scheduled between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. to minimize inconvenience to motorists.
Addressing Longstanding Traffic Challenges
Residents and commuters have faced traffic congestion on NC 150 for decades, particularly west of I-77, where the road narrows to one lane in each direction. The widening project aims to alleviate these issues, accommodating increased traffic volumes and supporting the area’s continued growth.
Contractor and Project Scope
Charlotte-based Blythe Development Co. has been awarded the contract for this extensive project. The scope includes widening approximately 5.5 miles of NC 150, replacing the bridge over I-77, and constructing a new bridge over Lake Norman. The project will involve significant materials and labor, including:
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207,000 tons of Class VII stone
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380,000 cubic yards of borrow fill
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205,000 cubic yards of unclassified excavation
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Approximately 78,000 linear feet of storm drainage
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Approximately 115,000 linear feet of curb and gutter
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Approximately 300,000 tons of asphalt
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Approximately 40,000 linear feet of water and sewer relocation
Community Impact and Future Benefits
While construction may present temporary inconveniences, the long-term benefits include improved traffic flow, enhanced safety, and support for economic development in the Mooresville area. Residents and businesses are encouraged to stay informed about construction updates and plan accordingly to minimize disruptions.
For more detailed information and ongoing updates, please visit the NCDOT’s official project page.
Stay tuned for further developments as this transformative project progresses, bringing much-needed improvements to the NC 150 corridor.