PINEHURST, N.C. — Pinehurst officials and the North Carolina Department of Transportation are continuing discussions about the future of the Pinehurst Traffic Circle, including possible speed-limit reductions and an alternative configuration for the intersection.
Village Council members John Taylor and Jeramy Hooper recently met with NCDOT Division 8 representatives to discuss the Pinehurst Traffic Circle project. Village leaders believe revised population projections may support additional consideration of a design known as a “turbo hybrid.”
The proposed turbo hybrid would introduce a second interior lane to the circle. Supporters believe the additional lane could help the intersection handle future traffic while preserving the circular design that has become closely associated with Pinehurst.
NCDOT maintains that its current design is supported by traffic data collected for a 2024 study. State transportation officials also say the project has progressed far enough that major design changes could result in delays and significant additional costs.
Pinehurst Considering Lower Approach Speeds
The village is preparing a formal resolution supporting reduced speed limits on roads leading into the circle. NCDOT officials have indicated that a resolution from Pinehurst would be required before the agency could implement those changes.
Lower speeds could become one of the more immediate changes connected to the Pinehurst Traffic Circle project, even as discussions continue over the larger construction plan.
A new regional traffic-demand model is also being developed by the Sandhills Metropolitan Planning Organization. That organization is preparing a new metropolitan transportation plan for southern Moore County, although NCDOT has not indicated that the ongoing work will replace the data used to develop its current circle design.
Noise Study Expected by Late Fall
NCDOT is beginning a noise study around the traffic circle. Results are expected by late fall and will help determine whether noise barriers would be practical in any of the identified locations.
The department will also seek feedback from residents who could experience significant traffic noise. Whether a barrier can be constructed will depend partly on existing roads, utilities and other infrastructure surrounding the circle.
Construction Scheduled Between U.S. Opens
Planning for the Pinehurst Traffic Circle project began more than a decade ago, although potential changes to the intersection have been debated since the 1990s. More than 20 possible designs were considered during the process.
After public opposition to a Continuous Flow Intersection that would have eliminated the circle, NCDOT revised its plans and presented a new design. Moore County commissioners later approved a resolution supporting that plan.
The current timeline calls for right-of-way acquisition to begin in summer 2027, followed by utility relocation beginning in 2029. Construction is expected to start in spring 2031 and conclude by fall 2034.
NCDOT intends to complete the Pinehurst Traffic Circle project between the 2029 and 2035 U.S. Opens. That schedule is designed to minimize road closures, construction equipment and traffic disruptions during one of the Sandhills’ largest tourism events.
Star 102.5 will continue following the project and its potential effects on traffic throughout the Pinehurst area.
