New NCDOT Division 5 Engineer Becca Gallas recently spoke at the Holly Springs Town Council workshop. Gallas, who oversees transportation operations in the area, emphasized her commitment to working with the town and acknowledged challenges related to modernizing signals and funding for state projects. One significant project is the planned widening of Avent Ferry Road.
The collaboration between Holly Springs and the State has allowed NCDOT to approve the design phase for the Avent Ferry Road project. The upcoming fiscal year’s budget includes funds for this design work, with reimbursement from the State. Construction could start in 2029 after completing design and right-of-way acquisition.
“Many of these transportation projects needed to happen a year ago, two years ago, and so recognizing some of the challenges with our prices and how we can all do better and partner better is one of the big things I’m a fan of,” Gallas stated.
Gallas highlighted that most main roads in Holly Springs are managed by NCDOT, not the town. She noted that regional traffic accounts for about 60% of vehicles on N.C. 55 being non-residents passing through.
Funding remains a significant challenge due to rising costs. “That’s something we’re seeing across the state as hard conversations … we don’t have funding for projects that are clearly needed,” she explained. “Our needs far outpace the resources we have.”
Partnerships with towns like Holly Springs are crucial, according to Gallas: “There are some transformational transportation projects in front of us… We need to figure out how to do that successfully in partnership with our community.”
Holly Springs has been investing in an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) to improve traffic flow on state roads. This system replaces outdated technology with fiber-connected signals monitored remotely and adjusted in real-time.
Gallas also acknowledged recent challenges during signal modernization efforts, including traffic jams caused by contractor errors on Avent Ferry Road.
Development can lead to improvements on nearby roads as well. Eagles Landing Park’s construction will bring enhancements along Cass Holt Road, such as new traffic signals and sidewalks.
During discussions with town officials, questions focused on signal modernization issues and future NCDOT projects like bridge replacements and additional lighting at intersections.
Upcoming projects include resurfacing US 1 near Holly Springs potentially starting later this year or next year. Other resurfacing plans involve Sunset Lake neighborhood in fiscal year 2027, Holly Springs New Hill Road in 2028, and N.C. 55 in 2029.
Drivers wishing to share concerns about state roadways are encouraged to contact NCDOT directly via its “Contact Us” page.
State funding for widening Avent Ferry Road was initially committed in 2017 but later frozen; since then, costs have increased significantly by 67% over three years alone according to Gallas.
