A public hearing on dozens of proposed road projects in the region — including the controversial Southern Loop in Jackson County, the Siler Road extension in Macon County, and Corridor K through Swain County — will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15, outside Andrews.

Every year, the Department of Transportation holds a public hearing on its list of upcoming road projects for the region. The meeting covers all road projects in the DOT’s most western district — including Jackson, Macon and Swain counties. The meeting is held in a different county within the district each year, forcing people to travel long distances for their turn at the microphone. Speakers are limited to three minutes.

There are several controversial road projects on the DOT’s list that could attract speakers. But the public hearing is a chance for anyone to voice their complains to the DOT on any subject, from substandard shoulders on their commute route to a congested intersection that needs fixing.

• The Southern Loop in Jackson County — This four-lane divided highway would bisect Jackson County somewhere between Sylva and Cullowhee, bridging N.C. 107 with a freeway interchange. It would tie into U.S. 23-74 north of Sylva and tie into U.S. 441 south of Dillsboro.

• The Siler Road extension in Macon County — This new road would parallel and most likely bridge the Little Tennessee River. The road would pass by the doorstep of the new Macon County Library and Southwestern Community College campus, but is also billed providing access to private developers with grand plans for commercial enterprises that would otherwise lack good access. It would also reconfigure traffic in and out of the Clark’s Chapel community.

• Corridor K — This four-lane divided highway would go from Cherokee County to Swain County, passing through Graham County along the way. It would be an alternative to driving through the narrow Nantahala Gorge when traveling to Andrews and Murphy. Currently, there is no four-lane road to get to Andrews and Murphy.

The public hearing will be at the Tri-County Community College on U.S. 64 east of Andrews. For more information call Ryan Sherby, regional community planning director, at 828.586.1962 ext. 214.