Carolina Bays Parkway Extension Project: NCDOT Explores New Design Alternatives
Summary
NCDOT announced it will not proceed with the North Carolina portion of Alternative 4 for the Carolina Bays Parkway Extension project after reviewing public feedback from October 2025 joint hearings with SCDOT. The agency, in collaboration with FHWA, is now exploring modified routes and new design alternatives to minimize community impacts. The new alternative must improve regional connectivity, increase mobility, and reduce travel time through the project corridor.
“NCDOT, SCDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) continue to collaborate and explore other alternatives and modified routes to minimize impacts and meet the purpose and need of the project.”
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GovPing monitors NC DMV News for new transportation regulatory changes. Every update since tracking began is archived, classified, and available as free RSS or email alerts — 19 changes logged to date.
What changed
NCDOT announced it will not move forward with the North Carolina portion of Alternative 4 for the Carolina Bays Parkway Extension project, which proposed building on new location near the intersection of U.S. 17 and N.C. 904. The decision followed review of public feedback from two joint corridor hearings held in October 2025 and reflects funding constraints. NCDOT, SCDOT, and FHWA are collaborating to develop alternative designs that must enhance connectivity, increase mobility, and reduce travel times. Additional public information sessions will be scheduled once a new alternative is prepared.
Affected parties include local communities in Brunswick County, NC, and Horry County, SC, as well as regional travelers who will benefit from the future multi-lane highway connection between S.C. 31 and U.S. 17. Project updates and responses to public comments are available on the project webpage.
Archived snapshot
Apr 25, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
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Public Input Shapes Carolina Bays Parkway Extension Project in North Carolina
CASTLE HAYNE – The N.C. Department of Transportation is considering new design options for the Carolina Bays Parkway Extension project shaped by public and stakeholder feedback.
In collaboration with the S.C. Department of Transportation (SCDOT), planning and development are ongoing to extend S.C. 31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) from S.C. 9 in Horry County, S.C. across the state line to U.S. 17 in Brunswick County.
The project proposes a multi-lane highway using portions of the existing road and building on new locations.
In October 2025, NCDOT and SCDOT held two joint corridor public hearings regarding the project. Seven different design alternatives were presented, including the Departments’ Preferred Alternative (Alternative 4).
After reviewing public feedback and considering funding challenges, NCDOT will not be moving forward with the North Carolina portion of Alternative 4, which builds on new location, tying in near the intersection of U.S. 17 and N.C. 904. Alternative 4 also upgrades a portion of U.S. 17 to a fully controlled freeway from N.C. 904 to N.C. 130 in Shallotte.
NCDOT, SCDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) continue to collaborate and explore other alternatives and modified routes to minimize impacts and meet the purpose and need of the project.
“NCDOT deeply values the input from this community and our stakeholders. We want to provide the region with the best possible roadway designs. We’ve listened to the feedback, and we’re working hard to prepare a new alternative,” said Division 3 Engineer Trevor Carroll.
A new alternative must include connectivity through the transportation network, increased mobility for the region and reduced travel time through the project corridor.
Additional information regarding the new design will be presented to the public at a later date.
The Department is committed to transparency, innovative solutions and exploring community feedback regarding this project. A response to all comments received is available on the project webpage along with the most updated information regarding the project. Follow NCDOT on social media for additional updates.
NCDOT
Last updated 10:01 a.m. on Apr. 22, 2026
Published Date:
4/22/2026
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