The Town of Smithfield will permanently close a portion of North Second Street to allow for the expansion of the Smithfield Water Plant. On Monday, March 8th, North Second Street between North Street and Buffalo Road will be closed permanently. Signs were put into place recently alerting drivers of the pending street closing.
The water plant expansion and improvements will include large tanks to increase capacity and storage. One of the tanks will be located in the travel portion of N. Second Street near the Water Plant. Last year, the council performed a traffic impact study. The study indicated there would not be a negative impact on traffic or travel times as a result of the closure.
“The water plant expansion/improvement project is a necessity for the Town, as we witness unprecedented growth,” said Town Manager Mike Scott. “Having available water for commercial and residential growth is one of the first boxes developers check when evaluating a location to build. This project is just one part of a larger initiative to expand our water capabilities.”
“Another part of this upgrade is the new 16 inch water line that now runs all along Durwood Stephenson Parkway from Highway 301 to Buffalo Road. Phase two is being prepared for bid which will extend this line from Buffalo Road to Wilsons Mills Road along Durwood Stephenson Parkway, under the bridge. The Golden Leaf Foundation provided a $500,000 grant for a portion of this project.”
“We are aware this type of construction will create some inconvenience for residents and drivers who are accustomed to using this section of road. We ask for patience and support as we move this project forward for the betterment of our community,” Mr. Scott said.
Access will still be available for the cemetery and Talton Field. The Hospital Road entrance will remain open to access the Town’s facilities.
The $17 million expansion project was approved by the Smithfield Town Council in December 2020.
