In New Hanover County, N.C., construction workers are widening 2.5 mi. of Gordon Road. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is overseeing the $81 million effort, which calls for a 17.5-ft. raised median.
"Gordon Road is a heavily traveled corridor connecting Market Street [U.S. 17] to I-40," said Jamie Martinez Gomez, NCDOT senior assistant resident engineer. "With significant residential growth, commuter traffic and tourism in Wilmington, the two-lane road is no longer adequate. Widening to a four-lane divided facility will improve safety, increase capacity and reduce congestion.
S.T. Wooten Corporation photo
Gomez noted that now is a good time to begin construction, because of the influx of people moving to the area, and the growing number of tourists visiting the coast.
"Addressing the congestion now helps prevent future gridlock and supports economic development. Additionally, funding and permits are already in place, making this the right time to advance construction."
The project will add two travel lanes, bike lanes and sidewalks. These improvements separate turning vehicles from through traffic, reduce delays at intersections and allow for safer pedestrian and bicycle movement.
Building a reduced conflict intersection will improve safety by reducing the number of potential crash points. Instead of left turns across busy traffic, vehicles use safer U-turn movements, cutting down on severe angle crashes and improving flow.
Construction began in mid-June 2025 and is scheduled to be completed in 2029. S.T. Wooten Corporation serves as contractor for the project, which involves minimal traffic impacts. Lane closures are restricted to nights and off-peak hours.
"Motorists are coping well, due to limited disruptions and clear traffic management," said Gomez. "Advance signage and nighttime lane closures help reduce frustration."
According to Gomez, once construction is complete, commuters will benefit from safer travel, fewer backups, more predictable drive times and a smoother ride. Drivers will enjoy separate turning lanes, while pedestrians and cyclists also will have dedicated facilities to further enhance safety.
Gomez acknowledged that working close to residential areas is a challenge, as widening requires careful coordination to minimize noise, dust and property impacts. In addition, the project involves utility relocations and stormwater management, both of which can be complex.
North Carolina's coastal weather also can threaten construction with heavy rains and occasional hurricanes. Erosion control measures are in place to minimize weather-related delays.
S.T. Wooten Corporation photo
Crews performed clearing and grubbing; drainage and waterline installation; temporary signal work; and erosion control.
One major milestone completed was the channel relocation, which was necessary for the construction of the 10-ft. multiuse path located at College Road and Gordon Road.
"Key tasks ahead include utility relocations, demolition, roadway widening, curb and gutter, asphalt paving and signal work," said Gomez. "These will set the foundation for the final driving lanes and pedestrian facilities."
Excavation involves grading, storm drainage trenching and preparation for embankments. Temporary shoring is required in areas with close property lines and traffic.
Roughly 100,000 cu. yds. of earthwork will be moved on the project, which will create 11-ft. travel lanes with curb and gutter. Crews must place aggregate base course and install curb and gutter forms. Concrete curb/gutter is poured, followed by multiple asphalt lifts.
S.T. Wooten Corporation photo
Main equipment being used at the site includes bulldozers, excavators, graders, pavers, dump trucks and rollers. Other equipment includes trenching machines for utilities, milling machines for asphalt demo and slip-form pavers for curb and gutter.
Chief materials include asphalt, concrete, aggregate base course and stormwater pipe. Reinforced concrete box culverts; steel for rebar and guardrails; signal mast arms; handrails; and erosion control fabrics also are required.
Gomez said because of the volume of traffic on Gordon Road, improving conditions will significantly enhance residents' quality of life.
"It means delivering a roadway that will serve the community for decades. This project improves safety, reduces congestion and supports growth, making it a legacy project for both the construction team and the region." CEG
