Traffic will be detoured through October as work kicks into high gear on a new roundabout on South Madison Street in Whiteville.
The N.C. Dept. of Transportation said the intersection of Franklin, Lee and Madison will be closed to through traffic during the project. Detours will begin July 14.
Contract crews need the closure to safely pour the concrete apron and center island, construct the curbs and gutters, and pave and then restripe the intersection, DOT said.
In addition to the roundabout, crews are making drainage improvements in the area as part of a separate project.
The Madison/Lee/Franklin intersection will be completely closed. Because of the closed intersection, the southbound lane of South Franklin Street beginning at Caldis Street also will be closed, and the northbound lane of South Lee Street up to Frazier Street will be closed during this 90-day period. On the south side of the Soules Swamp bridge, motorists will have to go to the bypass then north to Virgil Street to access downtown.
Cost or the roundabout is $1.8 million, and comes from state highway funds, not local monies. Roundabouts are generally used to eliminate stoplights and reduce the amount of time drivers spend idling at intersections.
All downtown businesses will remain open and accessible during the project, according to city officials and DOT. Weather permitting, the project will be completed in 90 days, DOT said.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
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