The need for a bypass around Pittsboro was first identified over 36 years ago. Currently, north-south travel along US 15-501 requires traffic to utilize the downtown traffic circle that surrounds the historic Chatham County Courthouse. Congestion and travel delays are experienced at the traffic circle during peak travel hours. It is anticipated that congestion will substantially increase as travel demand and growth continues in Chatham County . Additionally, more accidents occur at intersections with and along US 15-501 in Pittsboro than at intersections located farther away from the traffic circle and downtown Pittsboro. US 15-501 is designated as a truck route. Many conflicts occur between automobiles, trucks, pedestrians in and around the traffic circle. All of these factors contribute to the congested and unsafe conditions along US 15-501 in Pittsboro. The proposed project will improve these conditions by removing truck through-traffic from the downtown areas and decreasing vehicular traffic volumes.