ARCHER LODGE – Work began on Sept. 14 to improve the safety of a half-mile section of Buffalo Road in northern Johnston County.
The N.C. Department of Transportation in March awarded a $953,920 to widen the road to three lanes between its two legs of Lake Wendell Road north of Archer Lodge. The widening will create a center turn lane, allowing drivers to safely turn left without impeding through traffic.
Additionally, the contractor will realign both intersections of Lake Wendell Road with Buffalo Road to improve the sight distance. The intersections are now skewed, meaning they approach Buffalo Road on an angle. The realignment will straighten the intersections, making it easier for drivers on Lake Wendell Road to see oncoming traffic when they approach the intersection.
Fred Smith Co. of Raleigh had planned to start this summer, but there have been delays relocating utilities before construction can begin. As a result, the revised deadline for completion of this road project is April 2021.
The affected roads will not be closed during construction, but drivers can expect to encounter lane closures during the project. The contractor, however, is not allowed to close lanes during the morning and afternoon rush hour.