Proposals for the expansion of U.S. 64 have a group of concerned Apex residents taking matters into their own hands.

The project is a two-phase plan that includes a short term solution developed over five years. The long term solution is a 30 year plan. In the long run, the project will cost more than $400 million.

Opponents like resident Danny Epstein said they're not just unhappy with the proposed expansion of U.S 64, they said some people in the community are being blind-sided.

"We were concerned that not enough people are aware of what's being studied or proposed," Epstein said.

So a handful of people formed "Save64.org". They set up a booth at Kroger in Apex encouraging people to sign a petition to stop the plans until everyone can have their say. Nelson Dollar with the N.C. House of Representative said he supports the group.

"The short term plan puts a wall up between Apex and Cary. It also is more time consuming and inconvenient for people to get across the street," Dollar said.

David Wasserman with the Department of Transportation said they did inform people sending out thousands of letters.

"Three newsletters have been sent out to land owners who live 1,600 feet of the corridor that's about 2,000 newsletters," Wasserman said.

But the Save64.org group said that's not enough, all residents should have a voice.

Although Friday is supposed to be the deadline for public comment, the DOT said there will be other opportunities to speak out.

"We are continuing to work with everybody. It's a 30 year plan which doesn't have funding. It's just the first step in the process," Wasserman said.

The group will be at Kroger passing out petitions until Friday when they present the signatures to the DOT.

The DOT said they will be holding another public information session in July.

For more information, click here.

Related Links

1. N.C. Department of Transportation