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NCDOT proposes four-lane Rea Road extension to address Union County traffic
The proposed extension would connect Providence Road with N.C. 84 and continue toward Wesley Chapel, with construction projected to start in summer 2027. Residents can still submit feedback after a public meeting in Weddington.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is proposing a four-lane divided extension of Rea Road in Union County, aiming to ease congestion on Providence Road and Weddington Road and improve safety as the area grows.
At a public meeting at Weddington United Methodist Church on Oct. 22, transportation officials presented project maps and answered questions. The proposed road would run east of Providence Road, connect with Weddington Road — also known as N.C. 84 — and widen the existing highway near Weddington High School. It would end near Waxhaw-Indian Trail Road in Wesley Chapel.
NCDOT estimates that without infrastructure changes, traffic on Weddington Road will exceed its capacity by 2035. Max Anderson, who lives near Weddington Road, said congestion is already common around the highway intersection.
“I know, living right over there on Weddington Road. This intersection here gets pretty congested, especially coming from that way and the highway,” Anderson said. “So I think it would help a lot of people out.”
Anderson said the project could benefit the community if it is carried out well.
A related proposal would improve Providence Road South from the Rea Road extension to Bonds Grove Church Road, then continue to Waxhaw Parkway.
Construction on the Rea Road project is expected to begin in summer 2027. People who did not attend the drop-in meeting can submit comments on the proposal for another month, according to NCDOT.