Big changes coming to U.S. 401 in Garner as NCDOT plans major upgrade

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Drivers in Garner can expect some big changes along a busy stretch of U.S. 401.

The N.C. Department of Transportation is preparing to upgrade more than a mile of Fayetteville Road, from just south of Old Stage Road to south of Mechanical Boulevard. The nearly $26 million project is being handled by Conti Civil LLC.

Once complete, the road will be expanded into a sixlane, mediandivided highway, with turn lanes added at intersections where needed. NCDOT says those changes are designed to improve traffic flow and reduce crashes along the corridor.

The project will also include Reduced Conflict Intersections and synchronized traffic signals, which eliminate left turns from side streets. Transportation officials say that design lowers the risk of crashes while keeping traffic moving more smoothly.

Pedestrians will also see improvements. Through a costsharing agreement with the Town of Garner, the project will add sidewalks and highvisibility crosswalks along the roadway.

NCDOT plans to begin sending out weekly email updates once construction starts. More information about the project is available on NCDOT.gov.