Have you ever sat in traffic on Bickett Boulevard (U.S. 401/N.C. 39) and wondered why it takes so long to get across town? If you have, you’re not alone.

Whether you're trying to get your children to school, make it to work on time or simply drive through Louisburg during rush hour, you've likely experienced the backups that have become part of daily life in Louisburg.

Now, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is asking the public to weigh in on a proposal that could permanently change one of Franklin County's busiest roadways.

These aren't small changes. They involve redesigned intersections, new roundabouts, raised medians, additional sidewalks, bicycle facilities, possible property acquisition, and nearly $96 million in planned transportation investments across two connected projects.

Most importantly, your comments can still help shape the project before major decisions are finalized. The public comment deadline is August 26, 2026.

According to NCDOT, the purpose of these projects is to:

• Reduce traffic congestion and delays
• Improve safety
• Prepare Louisburg for future traffic growth
• Improve conditions for people walking and riding bicycles

The proposal includes two projects that focus on Bickett Boulevard (U.S. 401/N.C. 39) from Burke Boulevard to Main Street. Only one project is currently funded, meaning residents could see construction begin on one section while the other waits for funding. 

Both projects include roundabouts. The agency selected this option after reviewing engineering studies and receiving feedback from residents, local officials and other stakeholders.

Project One: R-3608 (funded)

Nash Street to Main Street

Current status:

• Right-of-way funded
• Construction funded
• Moving much further through the project development process

This portion is mostly two lanes today.

NCDOT proposes widening it into:

• Four divided lanes
• Raised median
• Improved pedestrian accommodations
• Bicycle facilities

Unlike Project U-6024, this project already has funding programmed for right-of-way acquisition and construction.

Project Two: U-6024 (not funded)

Burke Boulevard to Nash Street

Current status:

• Environmental work continues
• Construction funding has not been secured
• Only preliminary engineering is currently funded

This section currently has five lanes, including a center turn lane.

NCDOT proposes changing it into:

• Four travel lanes
• A raised median in the center
• Sidewalks
• Bicycle and pedestrian improvements

This section would no longer function as a traditional five-lane road. Instead, traffic would be separated by a median designed to reduce crashes caused by vehicles crossing into opposing traffic. 

Click here to review detailed maps showing:

• Every section of the corridor
• Proposed roundabouts
• Raised medians
• Bicycle facilities
• Sidewalks
• Potential property impacts

What About Business Owners?

NCDOT says:

• Some additional property may be needed.
• Temporary construction easements may be required.
• Utilities may have to move.
• Traffic will remain open during construction, but temporary lane closures are expected.

So what does that mean for business owners in this area?

Jose, owner of Louisburg Discount Tire & Service, worries that these changes will cause more congestion and confusion.

" It's perfect like it is," Jose said. "No need to change it. It will cause congestion. Cars will have to stop for other cars and everything will be slow."

NC DOT says any business owners who may be affected will be contacted as the project advances through the right-of-way process. 

How to Review the Plans

Residents can review detailed maps here showing:

• Every section of the corridor
• Proposed roundabouts
• Raised medians
• Bicycle facilities
• Sidewalks
• Potential property impacts

How to Submit Comments

The public comment deadline is August 26, 2026. Residents may submit comments by:

• Public Comment Portal: https://publicinput.com/US-401-Louisburg
• Email: US-401-Louisburg@publicinput.com
• Email: magallagher@ncdot.gov
• Phone: 984-205-6615 (Project Code 5824)
• Phone: 919-707-6069