As population booms, Johnston County works on improving transportation

Johnston County is the fifth-fastest growing county in North Carolina over the last several years, according to WRAL Data Trackers.

The population has increased by 36% in the last decade, data shows.

To accommodate the growth, Johnston County is unveiling a comprehensive transportation plan, which includes projects like the widening of North Carolina Highway 42.

WRAL Data Trackers found driving is the main form of transportation for 83% of Johnston County residents, and with more people and cars comes a demand for better roads.

Since 2013, more than 64,000 people moved to Johnston County, according to WRAL Data Trackers. For context, Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh has a capacity of 56,919 people.

In the last three years, 24,000 people moved to the area. PNC Arena hold about 18,700 fans for a Carolina Hurricanes hockey game.

Drivers struggling with traffic congestion told WRAL News that more road projects are needed sooner rather than later.

Caitlin Kirk, whose husband builds houses in the area, knows all too well about the influx of people. She said it’s great for business but makes driving in different parts of the county "a nightmare."

"It's very frustrating," she described. "You have to have a lot of time. Schedule out 40 minutes just in case.”

Johnston County's comprehensive transportation plan will look at the needs for the area when it comes to all forms of travel over the next 25 years. According to a news release, improvements include projects for highways, bicycle and pedestrian paths, public transportation and rail infrastructure.

“We’re growing so quickly," said Braston Newton, Johnston County's planning and zoning director. "It’s really challenging to meet the demand at the pace in which we need to meet the demand.”

At 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4, Johnston County will hold an open house for residents about the new plan in the Tart Building, located at Johnston Community College, 245 College Road in Smithfield.

Additional public comment sessions will be planned before any plan is finalized, but county leaders want it to be done by the end of the year.