The Pinehurst Traffic Circle Redesign is facing renewed opposition from Village of Pinehurst leaders, who are asking North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt to intervene in the proposed NCDOT project. Village officials say they support safer and more efficient traffic flow, but they believe the current plan could damage the historic character of one of the Sandhills’ best-known landmarks.
According to reporting from Sandhills Sentinel, the Pinehurst Village Council unanimously approved letters to state leaders outlining concerns about the project.
Pinehurst Traffic Circle Redesign Raises Safety and History Concerns
Village leaders argue that the Pinehurst Traffic Circle Redesign could introduce features they believe may make the area less safe. The council also cited concerns about property rights, aesthetics and Pinehurst’s historic status through the U.S. Department of the Interior and National Park Service.
The Traffic Circle has been part of Pinehurst for roughly 70 years. Village leaders noted there has never been a fatality at the circle during that time, while the current proposal would add features such as traffic signals and intersections.
The council also pointed to updated population projections released in January 2026 by the North Carolina State Demographer’s Office. Those projections showed lower expected growth for Moore County and nearby counties by 2050, and village leaders say NCDOT should reevaluate future traffic projections before moving forward.
Project Timeline Leaves Room for Discussion
Construction on the Pinehurst Traffic Circle Redesign is not scheduled to begin until 2031, with completion expected in 2034. Because of that timeline, Pinehurst officials say there is still time to revisit the plan and work toward a design that improves traffic while protecting the village’s historic identity.
The village is asking state leaders to direct NCDOT to work more closely with the Village Council and involve the State Historic Preservation Office in the planning process.
Residents can find more transportation information through the North Carolina Department of Transportation and preservation resources through the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office.
The Pinehurst Traffic Circle Redesign is expected to remain a major topic of conversation in Moore County, especially for drivers, business owners, residents and visitors who travel through Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen.
Star 102.5 and Sandhills News will continue following developments on this project.
