NCDOT U-3628 Road Widening Project

  • Project typeRoad Improvements
  • Project value$4,955,597
  • Project scheduleAnticipated Completion: Late Summer/Early Fall 2026
  • Contractor nameNCDOT/Fred Smith Company
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The U‑3628 (Monroe Street) Project is a North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) roadway improvement project focused on upgrading NC 24‑27 (Monroe Street) through the Town of Carthage. The project has been planned for many years and is intended to improve safety, traffic flow, and pedestrian access through the downtown corridor.

 

Project Location

The project is located on NC 24‑27 (Monroe Street) and extends:

  • From west of NC 22 (McNeill Street)
  • To US 15‑501 in Carthage
  • Total length: approximately 1.03 miles

Purpose of the Project

The primary goals of the U‑3628 project are to:

  • Improve traffic flow and roadway safety
  • Reduce congestion through downtown Carthage
  • Add sidewalks and bicycle/pedestrian accommodations
  • Modernize roadway design, drainage, signage, and traffic signals

Project Cost & Timeline

  • Total construction cost: approximately $4.96 million
  • Contractor: Fred Smith Company (FSC II LLC)
  • Contract awarded: September 26, 2025

The Town of Carthage is not responsible for the full project cost.

  • The Town is participating in a portion of the sidewalk construction
  • Estimated sidewalk cost: $80,160
  • Town share: $16,032
  • NCDOT share: $64,128
  • Construction contract executed: October 14, 2025
  • Construction is actively underway
  • Projected completion: Late summer to early fall 2026, assuming normal weather and no major utility delays

NCDOT has not published a final completion date yet, but the current schedule aligns with a typical 12–18 month construction period for a project of this size.

 

 

What Improvements Are Being Made

Planned and active improvements include:

  • Widening NC 24‑27 to a three‑lane section
  • Installation of curb and gutter
  • New and upgraded sidewalks
  • Traffic signal upgrades at key intersections
  • Updated signage, pavement markings, and drainage systems

Construction Impacts

Residents and visitors may experience:

  • Periodic lane shifts and traffic delays
  • Construction equipment and work zones
  • Temporary relocation of signage and utilities

NCDOT and the Town ask drivers to use caution and follow posted signage through construction areas.

 

Location

NC 24-27 (Monroe Street) from the historic courthouse to the US 15-501 interchange in Carthage., Carthage, NC 28327  View Map

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