Stop the 15th Street Widening (Washington, NC)

Beaufort County, North Carolina Residents

MORE THAN 500 residents have signed the petition online and in person. To view the full list, visit our website here.

We, the undersigned residents, business owners, and community members of Beaufort County, NC, oppose NCDOT’s current plan to widen 15th Street, which includes a 17’ 6” concrete median.

By signing this petition, we express our opposition to:
• The installation of a median that eliminates left-hand turns into businesses, residences, and adjacent neighborhoods;
• The significant loss of property faced by homeowners and small business owners due to right-of-way acquisition;
• A design that prioritizes vehicle throughput over the livability, safety, and economic vitality of our community.

We instead voice our support for a safer, smarter, community-centered alternative that:
• Incorporates Complete Streets elements like sidewalks, marked crosswalks, and a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists;
• Adopts a road diet approach that calms traffic, reduces speeding, and lowers fatality risks;
• Implements limited medians to maintain access to businesses, residents and adjacent neighborhoods;
• Preserves property by staying within the existing right-of-way while enhancing safety and accessibility for all users of the corridor;
• Promotes a look and feel that aligns with our community’s goals for a likeable, livable corridor by preserving trees and incorporating landscaping features.

We urge City Leadership, NCDOT, and the Mid-East Rural Planning Organization to reject the current design and rescope the project in closer alignment with the Stantec plan previously funded and approved by the City of Washington.
Petition by
Ellen Brabo
15th Street Coalition
Sponsored by
Screenshot_2025-03-27_at_12.34.59%e2%80%afpm
15th Street Coalition
Washington, NC

To: Beaufort County, North Carolina Residents
From: [Your Name]

NCDOT is proposing to widen 15th Street with a 17.5-foot concrete median that would eliminate left-hand turns into businesses, homes, and neighborhoods. It also requires major property loss for residents and small business owners along the corridor.

This design doesn’t reflect what our community wants or needs.

I just signed a petition urging NCDOT, City Council, and the Mid-East Rural Planning Organization to reject the current design and instead support a safer, smarter, more community-friendly alternative. Will you add your name too?

We’re advocating for a design that:

Keeps left-turn access for homes and businesses

Preserves property by staying within the current right-of-way

Adds sidewalks, a multi-use path, and crosswalks for safety

Reflects the character and values of Washington, NC

Thanks so much for considering this — your signature really matters.