One of the county’s deadliest intersections will soon become an interchange.
The crossroads at Old Boardman Road and Macedonia Church Road intersects with U.S. 74. Drivers currently must stop for stopsigns on either side of the four-lane as well as in the middle. While the speed limit in the area is 60 miles per hour, traffic is often moving in excess of 70 through the area. Wrecks are frequent there, as drivers pull into the path of oncoming traffic from both sides. It is considered one of the most dangerous crossings in the county.
The Department of Transportation announced today that construction of a long-awaited interchange will get underway this summer.
BMCO Construction Inc. of Lumberton will construct the improvements where Old Boardman Road/Macedonia Church Road intersect U.S. 74. The interchange will be similar to those at Hallsboro and Bolton, as well as the planned interchange at Lake Waccamaw. The improvements are part of the long-term plan to convert the highway into Interstate 74. Eventually all traditional at-grade intersections will be replaced with overpasses and ramps that allow drivers to more safely and easily exit and enter the highway.
The department awarded the $16.2 million contract this month. Work is expected to begin in June, and the contractor and will have until the fall of 2024 to complete the project.
The overpass and ramps will be built on the east side of the current junction, which will remain open during construction. When the interchange is completed, the route will be realigned to the new on/off ramps, which will have roundabouts.
Construction on two major projects at Lake Waccamaw will be underway at the same time. Old Lake Road will be converted to a straight overpass, while Chaunceytown Road will see an interchange with roundabouts.
