NCDOT Proposes Traffic Improvements for Surf City Intersections

The proposed project aims to ease congestion and improve access to Surf City and Topsail Island.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 12:31am

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The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) held a public meeting to discuss a proposed traffic improvement project at several intersections in Surf City, North Carolina. The project targets NC-210, NC-50, and Belt Road, which have seen increasing congestion due to the area's growing population. NCDOT is proposing new turning lanes, medians, and a new traffic signal to alleviate the traffic issues.

Why it matters

Surf City and the surrounding Pender County area have experienced significant population growth in recent years, leading to increased traffic congestion, especially during peak seasons. The proposed NCDOT project aims to improve traffic flow and access to the popular Topsail Island, which is a major tourist destination.

The details

NCDOT's proposed project includes new turning lanes and medians along NC-210, Belt Road, and NC-50, as well as a new traffic signal at the intersection of NC-50/NC-210 and Charlie Medlin Drive. The primary goal is to make it easier for residents and visitors to access Surf City and Topsail Island. The project design has been revised based on public feedback and traffic analysis, with NCDOT aiming to limit disruptions during the construction phase.

  • The concept for the project began nearly 10 years ago.
  • A previous 'Quadrant Road' option was scrapped in September 2024 after public feedback and traffic analysis.
  • Property acquisition is expected to begin in the fall of 2027.
  • Construction is slated to start in the spring of 2030.
  • The public comment period closes on March 23, 2026.

The players

North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)

The state transportation agency responsible for the proposed traffic improvement project in Surf City.

Zachary Howard

A project manager with NCDOT Division III.

Kyle Breuer

The Surf City Town Manager.

Kim Brown

A Surf City resident who supports the project but wishes it had come sooner.

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What they’re saying

“The main goal of the project is to alleviate congestion at the main intersection of NC-210, NC-50, and Belt Road to make it easier to get onto Surf City Topsail Island, and a little bit easier to get off of Topsail Island as well.”

— Zachary Howard, Project Manager, NCDOT Division III

“We're constantly working with DOT to identify projects that will bring efficiency to our roadway, increase our safety. As we continue to experience growth not just here in Surf City but also in our surrounding areas.”

— Kyle Breuer, Surf City Town Manager

“I'm a big cheerleader for it. I think it's great. It's a little too late, unfortunately, but I think it's terrific. The plans are great. We need sidewalks, we want more walkability.”

— Kim Brown

What’s next

The public comment period closes on March 23, 2026. NCDOT will compile all submitted comments, provide a written response to each, and post them on the project's website before moving into the design phase.

The takeaway

The proposed NCDOT project in Surf City is a proactive step to address the area's growing traffic congestion and improve access to the popular Topsail Island. While some residents wish the project had come sooner, the plan to add new turning lanes, medians, and a traffic signal is seen as a positive development for the community.