WHITEVILLE,N.C. (WTVD) -- A major traffic change is coming to Whiteville as the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) moves forward with plans to replace an intersection with a modern roundabout.
This week, NCDOT announced that it has awarded a $1.8 million construction contract for a new roundabout where Lee Street, Franklin Street, and U.S. 701 Business (South Madison Street) meet. The junction, just south of downtown, is currently using a traditional traffic signal and serves roughly 16,000 vehicles a day, according to transportation officials.
The redesigned intersection aims to improve both safety and traffic flow. NCDOT said roundabouts built across the state have reduced fatal and injury crashes by nearly 80%, thanks to lower travel speeds and the elimination of dangerous leftturn conflicts. The circular design also keeps cars moving by removing the need to wait at a red light; drivers simply yield to traffic already in the circle.
The contract was awarded to Highland Paving Co., based in Fayetteville. Construction is expected to begin in late March, with the project scheduled for completion by the end of this year.
The intersection will need to close temporarily at some point, with detours routed along Lee Street, Franklin Street and Main Street. These closure dates and traffic impacts will be announced ahead of time here.