16th Street NE (Sandy Ridge Road) Improvement and Roundabout Project
Project Name
C-5196 16th Street NE (Sandy Ridge Road) Improvement and Roundabout Project
Project Overview
Planning and development are underway to improve 16th Street NE (Sandy Ridge Road) and its intersection with 21st Avenue NE and Eighth Street Drive NE. The purpose of the project is to improve traffic flow and relieve congestion in this area while also safely accommodating pedestrians and cyclists.
Currently, Sandy Ridge is a two-lane road with no sidewalks. The intersection of 16th Street NE, 21st Avenue NE, and Eighth Street Drive NE uses traffic signals and turn lanes. The City proposes replacing the existing intersection with a roundabout.
The project also includes the installation of a 5-foot sidewalk and a 10-foot multi-use path (MUP) along 16th Street NE to 29th Avenue Drive NE. These would tie into other existing and planned sidewalks providing improved bicycling and pedestrian connections to the larger Hickory network.
Interactive Project Map
The boundary depicted in the interactive map is approximate and does not reflect any final determination regarding impacts or right-of-way that the project will entail.
Project Details
The existing signalized intersection at 16th Street NE, 21st Avenue NE, and Eighth Street Drive NE would be replaced with a roundabout requiring minor realignment of approach lanes, installation of concrete pedestrian islands, and acquisition of right-of-way around the roundabout. Compared to a signalized intersection, the roundabout would improve traffic flow, provide congestion relief, and improve pedestrian safety.
North of the roundabout, 16th Street NE would remain as two travel lanes at a minimum width of 11 feet each, with installation of new curb and gutter. Proposed acquisition of right-of-way on either side of 16th Street NE would be required to accommodate a 5-foot sidewalk to the east and a 10-foot multi-use path (MUP) to the west. These paths would connect with the existing sidewalks on Eighth Street Drive NE, 21st Avenue NE, and 29th Avenue Dr NE, extending the network for pedestrians and cyclists.
The 10-foot MUP is designed to provide enough room for pedestrians and cyclists. The MUP would provide for separated cyclist traffic, increasing accessibility and safety.
Project Timeline
Spring 2025: Final right-of-way plans complete
Spring 2025: Begin right-of-way acquisition
Spring 2025: Utility relocation begins
Summer 2026: Utility relocation ends
Winter 2026/2027: Complete right-of-way acquisition
Summer 2027: Fina roadway design complete
Winter 2027/2028: Begin construction
Winter 2030/2031: Open to traffic
Please note that estimated project timelines are subject to change.
Estimated Budget
Coming soon!
Project Map
Click on the map to enlarge it in a new window.
Typical cross-section on 16th Street NE north of roundabout
Typical cross-section on 16th Street NE east of roundabout
Public Meeting Information
A public meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 14, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. at Highland Recreation Center (1451 8th St Dr NE) in Hickory. During this time, City officials and project development staff will be present to field questions and receive comments from all parties.
Comments
The City accepts comments throughout all phases of project development. All comments will be taken into consideration and carry equal weight, regardless of submittal method. To submit comments for consideration during the current planning phase, please submit by November 15, 2024.
Submit comments by email: ProjectC5196@hickorync.gov