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.
Inside the downtown area, DOT said detours will take northbound traffic right onto South Franklin, then left onto East Main and back to Madison. Southbound drivers will turn right on West Main, then left onto South Lee.
The southbound lane of South Franklin and the northbound lane of South Lee will be closed. Detours will direct drivers back to Madison Street.
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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