NCDOT To Propose Large-Scale Improvements To Independence Blvd.

Eyewitness News has uncovered a new plan to speed up improvements on Independence Boulevard.

State road officials planned to extend the highway portion of Independence Blvd. to Idlewild Road, but now they may scale back that project slightly so they can improve more of Independence overall -- all the way to Interstate 485.

"I'm trying to maximize the dollars. Get the most out of the public dollar as we can," said North Carolina Department of Transportation Division 10 engineer Barry Moose.

NCDOT officials want to redo the entire road all the way to I-485, speed up traffic by widening certain parts and do away with some traffic signals and turn lanes.

Drivers like any idea that makes more of the road smoother sailing.

When asked if he ever gets frustrated stopping and starting along Independence, driver Steven Brown said, "Yes, all the time."

Businesses along the stretch of road, like Hillbilly Produce, are worried they might become casualties like some of their neighbors closer to Uptown did when crews turned that portion of the road into a highway.

"Just depends on what the final plans are going to be; (that) is how badly we'll be impacted," said Jerry Downing of Hillbilly Produce.

State and local leaders plan to discuss the plan more in Charlotte on Dec.8.

• LINK: Original Independence Boulevard Widening Plan