The proposed Carthage bypass remains one of the highest transportation priorities for northern Moore County, but residents want to make sure their concerns are considered before any decisions are made.
Community members recently gathered during a public planning meeting to discuss transportation projects being evaluated by the Central Pines Rural Planning Organization. While no final route has been selected and no construction schedule has been announced, the discussion gave residents an opportunity to voice questions about how a future bypass could affect their neighborhoods.
For many who attended, the meeting wasn’t about whether traffic improvements are needed—it was about making sure local voices remain part of the planning process.
Carthage Bypass Remains a Transportation Priority
The proposed Carthage bypass sits at the top of Moore County’s priority list submitted through the Central Pines Rural Planning Organization, which works with communities across Moore, Lee, Chatham and Orange counties to identify transportation needs.
The concept has been discussed for years as a way to improve traffic flow around Carthage, particularly along N.C. 24/27, where heavy truck traffic regularly travels through town.
Transportation officials stressed that the current process is focused on gathering public input and prioritizing future projects. No final alignment has been approved, and there is currently no timeline for construction.
Residents Want to Be Part of the Process
Several residents expressed concerns about how a future bypass could affect homes, neighborhoods and property owners. Others emphasized the importance of balancing traffic improvements with protecting established communities.
Town leaders reminded attendees that public meetings like this are designed to collect feedback before transportation projects move forward. Community input becomes part of the planning process before recommendations are submitted to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
In addition to the bypass discussion, other transportation priorities include intersection improvements and sidewalk projects that could improve safety and accessibility throughout Carthage.
What Happens Next?
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is expected to continue evaluating transportation priorities with additional public discussions planned in the coming months. As projects move through the planning process, residents will have more opportunities to review proposals and provide feedback.
Anyone interested in transportation planning can learn more through the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Central Pines Regional Council.
While the Carthage bypass remains years away from construction, the conversations taking place today will help shape how future transportation improvements serve residents across Carthage and northern Moore County.
Stay with Star 102.5 and Pulse of the Pines for continuing coverage of this story and more local news from across Moore County and the Sandhills.
