1,326-Unit Mallard Crossing Project Advances; Construction Could Begin Late 2026

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — The Smithfield Town Council on March 17 unanimously approved the preliminary plat for the Mallard Crossing subdivision, advancing a large-scale residential development planned east of Interstate 95.

The project, submitted by Mallard Smithfield NC, LLC, will include 1,326 homes on approximately 470 acres off Mallard Road. The plan features 872 single-family detached homes and 454 townhomes, a reduction of one unit from a previously approved 1,327-unit master plan.

Mallard Crossing, formerly known as Woodleaf, was originally approved in 2022 with 2,005 units, including apartments. In August 2025, the council approved a revised master plan eliminating multifamily buildings and reducing the overall density. The current plan maintains that lower-density approach at 2.8 units per acre.

Development Plans and Amenities

The neighborhood will be built in five phases beginning in late 2026 or early 2027, with full buildout expected by 2032.

Plans call for seven distinct residential areas, including age-targeted, maintenance-free housing where upkeep will be handled by a homeowners association. The development will also include two clubhouses, two swimming pools and a range of amenities such as trails, playgrounds and open space.

Developers have designated about 25 acres as active open space, with additional passive areas including wetlands and wooded buffers. A multi-use trail is planned along Mallard Road and within a Duke Energy easement.

Traffic and Infrastructure

A traffic impact analysis found the development is expected to add about 3,000 trips per day to Mallard Road and nearby Brogden Road near I-95.

Traffic counts from 2023 show about 2,900 vehicles per day currently use Brogden Road. With the development, that number is projected to rise to approximately 5,900 vehicles daily—still below the road’s estimated capacity of 12,000 vehicles per day.

Several roadway improvements will be required, including turn lanes and a future traffic signal at Brogden Road at I-95.

The development will have seven access points along Mallard Road.

Utilities and Annexation

Water and sewer service will be provided by the Town of Smithfield, with plans to expand infrastructure, including new water mains and two pump stations to support the full buildout.

The developer has indicated plans to submit a voluntary annexation request in the future to bring the property into town limits.

Background and Approval

The preliminary plat marks the next step following the amended master plan approved in August 2025.

Town planning staff determined the plan is consistent with the town’s comprehensive plan and zoning requirements for medium-density residential development.

The council approved the plat with conditions, including requirements for stormwater management, trail easements, architectural standards and oversight by a homeowners association.

No one spoke in opposition during the March 17 public hearing on the project.