NCDOT is proposing to widen U.S. 15-501 from the traffic circle in Pinehurst to N.C. 73 in Moore County, and public comments are being accepted through October 23. Here is what the project involves, why it is happening now, and how to share your feedback.
If you travel U.S. 15-501 between Pinehurst and West End, you've probably noticed something in the works: the N.C. Department of Transportation is proposing to widen this stretch of road, and right now is the time for the community to weigh in.
Here's what's happening and what it could mean for drivers in Moore County.
The Project at a Glance
NCDOT is proposing to widen U.S. 15-501 from the traffic circle in Pinehurst to N.C. 73 in Moore County. The project is part of a broader effort to improve safety and ease traffic congestion along U.S. 15-501, U.S. 1, and N.C. 5 in the county.
Plans include widening the corridor and adding a raised median, which would limit left turns in most areas and replace segments of the current two-way center turn lane. Along U.S. 15-501 and U.S. 1, NCDOT has proposed a four-lane reduced conflict intersection with two lanes in each direction to accommodate traffic and improve safety.
Why Now?
The traffic and safety needs on U.S. 15-501 and U.S. 1 were first identified back in 2011 as part of the Moore County Comprehensive Transportation Plan. That process involved nearly 500 members of the public providing input about transportation priorities in Moore County. Based on those findings, along with ongoing safety and congestion concerns, the corridor was prioritized for state funding.
This stretch of 15-501 is a key route for residents commuting to work, heading to area schools, and connecting to shopping and services, so changes to it will affect a lot of daily routines.
Project Maps
These are the maps. I would like it noted that these are currently correct but could change. This is the information as of October 2026
How You Can Share Your Feedback
NCDOT held a public meeting on September 29 at Christ Community Church in West End to share project information, and comments are still being accepted through October 23.
If you'd like to share your thoughts on the project, here's how:
- By phone: call 984-205-6615 and reference project code 11106
- By email: reach the NCDOT project team through the contact information on the project's public input page
- By mail: send comments to Emily Richards, Public Involvement lead, NCDOT Environmental Analysis Unit, 1598 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC
- Online: you can also view project materials and share feedback through the public input site at publicinput.com/15-501-widening
Also worth noting: NCDOT has a related project underway for improvements to the Pinehurst traffic circle, so there are several changes in the works for the area's roads.
What It Means for Homeowners and Buyers
Infrastructure improvements like this are worth paying attention to whether you already live here or you're thinking about moving to the area. Better roads and reduced congestion make a community more desirable, and projects like this are a good sign for long-term investment in the area.
If you're considering buying or selling in Moore County and want to talk about how the area's growth and infrastructure affect real estate here, I'm always happy to help.
Experience isn't expensive, it's priceless!
Terry Nanney, Realtor®
Towering Pines Real Estate, brokered by eXp Realty
Serving Moore County and the surrounding Sandhills of North Carolina
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Written by
Terry Nanney
Local real estate agent in Southern Pines, NC, serving the wider Moore County Sandhills.
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