It started with whispers. The Pinehurst No. 2 course in North Carolina might become an anchor site for the U.S. Open golf championship.
By 2018, those whispers turned into plans, and that’s when DRMP got to work on the planning, traffic studies, and conceptual designs to support U.S. Open tournaments and the Pinehurst community.
Years before the U.S. Golf Association (USGA) made an official announcement in 2020, the vision was already taking shape to transform the transportation infrastructure around Pinehurst No. 2 to support not just a single tournament, but a series of U.S. Opens starting in 2024 and scheduled through 2047.
The USGA’s announcement marked not only a win for golf but a wave of long-term transportation improvements led by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), designed to support the tournament’s demands and the region’s future growth. While the 2024 U.S. Open brought over 250,000 fans to Pinehurst No. 2, much of the supporting infrastructure is still under design and construction.
As part of this transformation, DRMP was selected as the prime designer for a key corridor project that involves widening a 4.3-mile stretch of N.C. 5 from U.S. 1 in Aberdeen to Trotter Drive/Blake Boulevard in Pinehurst. The goal is to expand capacity, improve safety, and enhance pedestrian connectivity across one of the region’s most critical thoroughfares.
I’m proud to serve as the project manager. This project has been close to my heart since the beginning, even before I earned my Professional Engineer (PE) license. That’s why I call it “my baby.” After the original project manager retired, I had the honor of signing and sealing the first set of plans in June 2025. We’re now working on a construction revision to address changing field conditions due to ongoing development in the area.
Our responsibilities span the full scope of roadway design, including pavement, signals, signing, work zone traffic control, and planning and environmental documentation. In addition to this work, DRMP also completed a traffic forecast update. The existing two-lane road is being widened to four lanes across most of its 4.3-mile length, transitioning to a three-lane section at the northern end to match existing conditions. Our project team consists of subcontractors who are responsible for drainage, erosion control, and geotechnical services. NCDOT contracts directly with DRMP and the Flatiron Dragados/Fred Smith Joint Venture (JV) team, the selected contractor. This has been a complex and evolving effort, requiring real-time problem solving and close coordination with multiple stakeholders.
This project is also part of North Carolina’s pilot program to test the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) delivery method. It’s a more collaborative and flexible approach that facilitates the delivery of complex transportation projects across the state.
Although driven by a golf tournament, the benefits of this project reach well into the future. In addition to reducing traffic congestion, the improvements are expected to create new economic opportunities for Moore County, which will help the region build on the momentum of hosting a world-class event and positioning it for long-term growth.
Piloting CM/GC in North Carolina
The N.C. 5 widening project is one of a limited number of projects that are part of the CM/GC pilot program, which was authorized by the North Carolina General Assembly. It transitioned from a standard design – bid – build delivery method in 2018 to the CM/GC method in 2023. As part of the first group of projects selected for this pilot, it serves as a unique opportunity to test and evaluate the future of alternative project delivery in the state. The goal of the pilot is to leverage the benefits of collaboration between design teams and contractors during the early stages of project development.
As part of the pilot, each selected project was required to meet a minimum construction cost threshold. NCDOT identified nine priority roadway projects to support the U.S. Open, but none of them individually met the cost requirement. To qualify, this N.C. 5 project was paired with two nearby projects along U.S. 1, allowing for them to proceed under the CM/GC model.
Under this delivery method, commonly used for complex or time-sensitive projects, a contractor is brought on early during the design phase to provide input, identify potential issues, and improve constructability. That same contractor then transitions into the general contractor role once construction begins.
DRMP has been working closely with the JV, the selected CM/GC contractor, from the time they were selected for the project. We participate in weekly coordination meetings with the JV team and the other design team on the U.S. 1 projects, allowing us to align design decisions, respond to field conditions in real time, and streamline key services, such as utility relocations and construction phasing. This CM/GC model has proven valuable, as the contractor identified field concerns early, allowing us to promptly adjust our design and avoid delays.
Overcoming Complex Challenges
Transforming N.C. 5 from a two-lane road to a mostly four-lane corridor wasn’t without its challenges. On one side of the road, there are homes and businesses, and on the other, a railroad line operated by the Aberdeen Carolina Western Railroad, which sits as close as15 feet from the existing pavement in some locations. Widening the road while preserving the railroad and minimizing impact on residents required creative design solutions and close coordination with multiple stakeholders.
Other challenges included securing permits and approvals from the railroad, ensuring the road improvements would not disrupt rail operations, and balancing the concerns of property owners. Each alignment alternative had to be evaluated with NCDOT and the railroad to find the best fit for everyone involved.
Currently, the team is wrapping up utility relocations and preparing to start construction on wet utilities in the coming months. We are aiming to wrap up much of the road improvements on N.C. 5 prior to the U.S. Open returning to Pinehurst in 2029.
Beyond the Fairway
In addition to supporting the U.S. Open, this project is a strategic investment in the community’s future. The widened N.C. 5 will improve traffic flow and safety for residents and visitors year-round. We also designed a new 10-foot multi-use path along the north side of the corridor. This path creates a safe, accessible space for cyclists and pedestrians. It accommodates the influx of fans during tournament weeks and encourages healthier, more active lifestyles for residents.
The improvements will provide a long-term economic boom for Moore County. U.S. Opens typically generate between $100 million and $250 million – or more – in economic impact for host communities. By easing congestion and upgrading infrastructure, this project better positions Pinehurst and the surrounding areas to capitalize on future tournament years. It will help sustain local businesses, attract new visitors, and enhance the region’s capacity to host world-class events.
The 2024 U.S. Open kicked off essential road upgrades and gave the local economy a serious boost. What started as tournament preparation turned into a hole in one for Moore County’s future, and I am proud to have played a key part in it.
