PITTSBORO – A portion of the traffic circle in downtown Pittsboro is expected to reopen next week.
In January, the N.C. Department of Transportation closed the circle that carries U.S. 15-501 and U.S. 64 Business through downtown as part of a joint venture with the town to make the location safer for pedestrians and drivers.
The $2.48 million contract, awarded to Carolina Sunrock LLC of Raleigh, also includes functional and aesthetic upgrades.
On Monday, crews plan to remove and replace pavement markings and tentatively open the southeastern half of the circle to traffic. Work on the next phase of the project, on the northwestern half of the circle, can then begin under daily lane closes and occasionally full overnight closures.
U.S. 15-501 truck and through traffic will continue to be detoured along N.C. 87 and U.S. 64 Bypass, which will also serve as the detour for U.S. 64 Business, until the circle’s scheduled completion in October.
Drivers should remain mindful of crews working in this area over the coming months and allow extra time for the detours.
This is the first phase of a broader project to improve about 2 miles of U.S. 15-501 in Pittsboro, widening and constructing roadway and streetscape improvements between south of U.S. 64 Business and Powell Place Lane near the bypass.
Proceeds from the sale of
Build NC bonds are earmarked to pay for $1.5 million of the construction of the first phase.