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15th Street Widening & Access Management Project
Washington, Beaufort County
STIP Project U-5860
15th Street in Washington, Beaufort County is currently a four-lane undivided roadway from US 17 Business (Carolina Avenue) to Brown Street, and a four-lane with a two-way left-turn lane (TWLTL) roadway from Brown Street to US 264 (John Small Avenue). The route currently has a dangerously high crash rate - well over the statewide average.
State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) Project U-5860 will significantly improve the safety and mobility of 15th Street by upgrading the corridor to include two (2) 11 ft. travel lanes in both directions (maintains four total travel lanes) with a channelized median with breaks for dedicated left-turn lanes. The project also includes a 10 ft. multi-use path, a 5 ft. sidewalk, crosswalks at each signalized intersection, three (3) mid-block crossings, and millions of dollars in utility improvements.
The project is fully funded through the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Strategic Prioritization process.
Safety Information
Crash rates along 15th Street are significantly higher than statewide and critical thresholds in four out of five major categories, including total crashes, fatal crashes, and injury crashes.
There are, on average, 83.4 total crashes per year. That is approximately 1.599 crashes per week.
By converting the corridor to a four-lane divided facility with medians, turn lanes, and pedestrian enhancements, U-5860 is projected to reduce crashes by over 57%, including a 76% reduction in fatal crashes alone.
That translates to more than $9.6 million in annual crash cost savings. These savings reflect reduced emergency response, medical costs, property damage, congestion delays, and most importantly lives saved and injuries prevented. The largest portion of these savings comes from improved quality of life and reduced fatality risk, which accounts for over $7.4 million per year.
Proposed Typical Sections
Project Maps
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March 2026 Draft Right-of-Way Maps - 3 Total Sheets (Click here to view PDF)
Disclaimer:
These draft right-of-way maps are subject to change as NCDOT continues to review pipe camera inspections and associated easement needs if a new replacement is determined, as well as work zone traffic control phasing
May 2025 - Map 1 of 3 (Click to view PDF)
NOTE: The latest draft right-of-way maps (March 2026) are posted further above.
May 2025 - Map 2 of 3 (Click to view PDF)
NOTE: The latest draft right-of-way maps (March 2026) are posted further above.
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May 2025 - Map 3 of 3 (Click to view PDF)
NOTE: The latest draft right-of-way maps (March 2026) are posted further above.
Helpful Links
NCDOT 15th Street Project Site
NCDOT PublicInput 15th Street Project Site
Mid-East RPO Comprehensive Safety Action Plan Site
What is Strategic Prioritization?
NCDOT Traffic Safety Data & Engineering Site
Documents
Complete Timeline of the 15th Street Widening & Access Management Project (U-5860) - Presented May 2025
U-5860 February 2025 Public Meeting Handout
U-5860 February 2025 Public Meeting Q&A Sheet
U-5860 May 2025 Public Meeting Handout
U-5860 May 2025 Public Meeting Flyer
U-5860 FAQ Sheet - Updated January 2026
15th Street Crash Report (2020-2024)
Mid-East RPO Letter of Support for U-5860
Beaufort County Board of Commissioners Resolution Supporting U-5860
Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Resolution Supporting U-5860
Project Schedule & Cost Estimates
Right-of-Way Start Date: June 2026
Right-of-Way Estimated Cost: $8.9 Million
Utility Relocation Start Date: Fall 2026
Utility Relocation Estimated Cost: $7.5 Million
Construction Start Date: June 2028
Construction Estimated Cost: $22.2 Million
Total Estimated Cost: $38.6 Million
*Dates shown are subject to change*
*Costs shown are estimates and are subject to change*
Traffic will be maintained throughout construction using the phased construction approach. This approach will minimize disruptions and ensure continuous access for residents and businesses.
Project Videos
U-5860 Contact Information
Project Management:
Allison Thorburn, P.E.
NCDOT Project Manager
NCDOT Highway Division 2
1037 W.H. Smith Blvd
Greenville, NC 27834
James Byrd P.E.
Consultant Project Manager
HNTB
4000 Center at North Hills Street, Suite 500
Raleigh, NC 27609
NCDOT Highway Division 2:
Mary Beth Houston, P.E.
Division Engineer
Cadmus Capehart, P.E.
Deputy Division Engineer
Heather Lane, P.E.
Division Project Development Engineer
Michael Aman, P.E.
Project Team Lead
Mid-East RPO:
Sam Singleton
Transportation Planner II / RPO Staff
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