Improve the Pinehurst Traffic Circle, Don't Destroy It
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On Tuesday 2/24/26 the Pinehurst Village Council will be considering Resolution 26-12 titled "Opposing the NCDOT Proposed Plans for the Pinehurst Traffic Circle.” Please show your support for this resolution by attending the Council meeting on 2/24/26 at 4:30 in the Village Hall, 395 Magnolia Road. Here’s why:
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There is no need for a radical design change on the Circle
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From the “Development and Growth Policy” adopted by the Village Council last month (emphasis added):
“The Village does not seek growth for growth's sake. Development and redevelopment should strengthen Pinehurst as a community, protect its unique sense of place, and enhance livability for residents, businesses, and visitors.”
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NCDOT makes assumptions about growth that will impact the Circle. The questions are 1) how much growth is to be expected? and 2) where will it occur? NCDOT has been telling us the maximum daily demand on the Circle will increase from the current 50K vehicles per day to 80K vehicles per day by 2050, reflecting an assumed growth rate of 1.75% per year. The same assumption also shows a Moore County population increase from the current 109K people to 180K people by 2050. Assumptions matter, and at this rate it’s no wonder NCDOT has brought us radical designs for the Circle.
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But new data from the office of the North Carolina State Demographer shows that Moore County will not grow to 180K people by 2050. We will grow to 140K people, reflecting a growth rate of 1.0% per year. At this rate, we’re likely to see the maximum daily demand on the Circle increase from the current 50K vehicles per day to 65K vehicles per day, which cuts the previously assumed increase in half.
Because their growth assumption is wrong, NCDOT can, and should, shelve the current proposal and reopen the discussion on ways to improve the Circle without destroying it. Please bring your voice to Village Hall this Tuesday and support Village Council Resolution 26-12.
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The 2050 traffic forecast for the Circle may be higher than should be expected. Are we really going to grow as much as NCDOT thinks?
Pinehurst Village Council Adopts Resolution to Form a Joint Working Group with NCDOT to Improve the Circle, Not Destroy It
The massive response by Moore County citizens in calling and writing the decision makers and influencers, the massive turnout at the DOT public meetings, and over 3000 signatures on the petition has made all the difference to NCDOT, and the Pinehurst Village Council has responded.
"We, the Village Council, request NC-DOT explore other options that could improve the flow of traffic at PTC – but not destroy it, that they would refrain from taking property from any of our residents, and preserve the historic Midland Road (often referred to as “The Fifth Avenue of Golf”) access to the Circle."
NCDOT was proposing a "Shifted Pillow" continuous flow intersection (CFI) that would replace the iconic and historic Pinehurst Traffic Circle
This proposal would have cut down 6 acres of long leaf pine trees - our State Tree - in the Circle, and other trees nearby. It would have affected or taken several properties by eminent domain. The roadways that would be included in the new intersection are 15/501 North and South, NC 211, and Midland Road East going toward Southern Pines.
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Midland Road West toward Pinehurst would have not been accessible from the area we know as the Circle. Midland Road toward Pinehurst will be accessible from NC211 via a new connector road that will intersect Midland in the area of Dalrymple Road (across from the back entrance to #7).
"I appreciate you sending me the information regarding the proposed replacement of the Pinehurst Traffic Circle. Pinehurst is an amazing treasure for our state. I am grateful for the economic contribution that it makes. I will forward the information you shared with me to Secretary Hopkins."
Here's what Pinehurst officials said at their work session on 6/25/24. Write to them and let them know what you think:
Pat Pizzella, Mayor: "We must work together to improve the Pinehurst traffic circle, not destroy it" (ppizzella@vopnc.org)
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John Taylor, Mayor Pro Tem: "There are numbers in DOT's presentation itself which can be called into question." (jtaylor@vopnc.org)
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Barb Ficklin, Treasurer: "The underlying traffic data and population growth assumptions need to be revisited before considering any drastic conventional, unconventional, or unwarranted designs." (bficklin@vopnc.org)
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Jack Farrell, Council Member: "I look to those items [Village Council Letter to NCDOT] to be addressed before we turn the whole world upside down." (jfarrell@vopnc.org)
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Jeff Morgan, Council Member: "I would encourage folks to make sure their voices are heard." (jmorgan@vopnc.org)​​