NC 343 Improvement Plan: What Camden Drivers Should Know

A proposed NCDOT project would bring major changes to N.C. 343 in Camden County.

The project, known as R-5807, covers N.C. 343 from east of U.S. 158 in Camden to South Trotman Road in the Shiloh community.

According to NCDOT, the purpose of the project is to increase safety and improve mobility.

The proposed improvements include resurfacing existing roadways, creating consistent 11-foot travel lanes and adding 4-foot paved shoulders along the length of the project on N.C. 343.

The plan also includes adding a right-turn lane from U.S. 158 to Seymour Drive and realigning Seymour Drive.

NCDOT also lists realignment of the Ivy Neck Road and South Mill Dam Road intersections with N.C. 343.

The project would remove existing bridges over Mill Dam Creek and Areneuse Creek. NCDOT says traffic would be maintained on the existing bridges during construction and detours would not be required.

The project page lists a preliminary total cost of $38.09 million. That includes project development and design, right-of-way acquisition, utility costs and construction costs.

The listed construction start is summer 2027, though NCDOT says the schedule is preliminary and subject to change.

For Camden County residents, the project matters because N.C. 343 is one of the county’s most important local corridors. It connects homes, schools, churches, farms, county facilities and commuting routes.

The proposal also comes as Camden County continues dealing with growth, school construction, traffic concerns and long-term infrastructure planning.

Camden Tribune will continue monitoring NCDOT updates, right-of-way issues, project changes and public notices tied to N.C. 343.