News Summary
Pitt County’s Harrington Family Cemetery is set to be relocated due to the expansion of Evans Street/Old Tar Road. This project by NCDOT aims to widen the road from two lanes to four, improving traffic flow between Greenville and Winterville. The relocation involves caring for 46 graves, which will be moved to Pinewood Memorial Cemetery, with an emphasis on sensitivity for families involved. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026, and the disinterment process starts this week.
Major Cemetery Relocation Underway in Pitt County for Road Expansion!
The small yet historic Harrington Family Cemetery located in Pitt County is facing an unprecedented change as it prepares for relocation. This move is necessitated by the ambitious expansion of Evans Street/Old Tar Road, which aims to enhance the transportation network between Greenville and Winterville. With the intention of widening this vital thoroughfare from two lanes to four lanes, it’s a significant undertaking by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
A Journey to Expansion
The expansion project is designed to alleviate traffic congestion and bolster safety on a road that connects two bustling communities. The planned route stretches from the intersection of Cooper Street and Worthington Road in Winterville to N.C. 43/U.S. 264A (Greenville Boulevard) in Greenville, ultimately laying the groundwork for smoother commutes and safer travels.
With a hefty budget of $185.4 million, the NCDOT has outlined a comprehensive plan that not only focuses on road widening but also includes the installation of enhanced features like raised medians, sidewalks, and dedicated bicycle lanes. Construction for this high-profile project is set to kick off in the summer of 2026; however, the timeline for completion remains unspecified, leaving residents eagerly awaiting updates.
A Respectful Relocation
At the heart of this expansive project lies the Harrington Family Cemetery, which houses 46 graves that must be relocated to facilitate the roadworks. The NCDOT has made arrangements for the graves to be moved to Pinewood Memorial Cemetery. This process will be overseen by an experienced funeral service provider, ensuring that the transition is handled with the utmost care and respect.
The planned relocation process has already drawn the attention of local families, especially those with ties to the cemetery’s occupants. All next of kin have been duly notified about the relocation and have given their approval. The NCDOT has gone to great lengths to coordinate this sensitive move, working closely with families to ensure that the reburial takes place in a manner that honors their loved ones.
Details on the Disinterment Process
The disinterment process is scheduled to commence this week, with plans in place to move every grave and reinter them on the same day. The entire relocation procedure is projected to span roughly two weeks, encapsulating all necessary steps to ensure a seamless transition. Once relocated, the graves will also receive new headstones, aligning with the standardized procedures observed at Pinewood Memorial Cemetery.
Utility Relocation and More
The project also includes the relocation of utilities that are crucial for the road’s expansion. This aspect of the project is set to begin between late spring and early summer, once the right-of-way acquisition process is complete. Utility poles and lines will be moved to make way for the new road design, further illustrating the complexity and scale of the project.
As the NCDOT begins this challenging yet necessary endeavor, it’s evident that every effort is being made to minimize disruption and mitigate the impact on families who have historical ties to the Harrington Family Cemetery. Community members are looking forward to the positive outcomes anticipated from the road expansion while holding onto memories of their loved ones in their hearts.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WCTI12
- Wikipedia: Cemetery
- WITN
- Google Search: cemetery relocation
- WNCT
- Google Scholar: grave relocation
- Reflector
- Encyclopedia Britannica: road expansion
