Building the Backbone for Better Broadband
MCNC, the not-for-profit operator of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN), advanced an initiative to strengthen broadband for education, healthcare, and public services. Project Hero adds about 210 miles of middle-mile infrastructure across three corridors—Winston-Salem to Albemarle, Sanford to Fayetteville, and Fayetteville to Jacksonville—creating a high-capacity backbone for Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) and improving future last-mile options.
Designing for Reliability, Capacity and Connection
Our firm designed a two-conduit system with a 288-count fiber, providing redundancy and scalable capacity. Work included route selection and constructability reviews within constrained transportation and utility rightsof-way; detailed plans for trench, bore, and crossing methods; and direct fiber connections to CAIs. We also led environmental and natural resources assessments, coordinated avoidance and minimization measures, and prepared documentation to advance permitting and approvals—including with Fort Bragg and the railroad.
Delivery coordination included the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), NCDOT, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army (USAG), National Park Service, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Fort Bragg, and railroad stakeholders. The resulting infrastructure enhances network diversity and reliability for NCREN participants, reduces long-term operating risk, and positions corridor communities for improved access, digital equity, and sustainable growth.
