SALISBURY — Rowan County residents who routinely drive on a state-maintained road in poor condition may be in luck.

The state Department of Transportation recently asked county government to suggest roads in need of paving, and the Planning Department said it’s accepting ideas from the general public, too. Two requirements include that the road is already paved and it’s maintained by the state, said Planning Director Ed Muire.

In response to a letter from DOT staff, Muire asked for suggestions during the Planning Board meeting on Monday. Some suggestions included Balfour Quarry Road, between Granite Quarry and Faith, and Foster Road, in western Rowan County.

The DOT letter states that staff members are evaluating division needs for the 2018 paving season. DOT Division 9, which includes Rowan County, hopes to have a final list by November, according to the letter. Paving would begin in 2018.

DOT will select roads based on the condition of pavement, traffic volume, ride quality, ongoing maintenance costs, surrounding contract work and resurfacing contract costs, the letter states.

Asked after the meeting, Muire said his department will take road paving suggestions from the general public. Suggestions can be submitted by calling the Planning Department at 704-216-8588. Suggestions will be forwarded to the DOT division office, he said. Suggestions from the Rowan County commissioners will also be incorporated into the list.

Also during Monday’s meeting, the Planning Board approved a rezoning on U.S. 601 in the Franklin community.

The rezoning changes a 1.47-acre tract in the 5100 block of U.S. 601 to commercial, business and industrial. It’s more like a modification than a rezoning, said Assistant Planning Director Shane Stewart. The spot is currently zoned commercial, business and industrial with a conditional use district attached.

Stewart said the property is currently used to sell prefabricated storage buildings.

Planning Board members passed the changes without opposition. No one spoke during a courtesy hearing for the rezoning.

Board member Andrew Poston said the rezoning made sense especially if the property owner didn’t need the conditional use district designation.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246