CORNELIUS — Next week, N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews will briefly pause traffic on Catawba Avenue at Burton Lane as part of a $14.6 million project to build dual roundabouts at Catawba Avenue and U.S. 21 (Statesville Road.)
Crews will stop traffic in both directions several times between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 to safely clear two large trees from the work area. Each stop will last about five minutes.
Work will be paused if traffic backs up to the I-77 interchange, allowing time for congestion to clear.
One roundabout will be built on U.S. 21 north of the Catawba Avenue intersection, with the other being built to its south, eliminating the need for left turns. For example, a driver wishing to turn left from Catawba Avenue to U.S. 21 would turn right and make a circle around in one of the roundabouts, then continue straight on Catawba Avenue.
NCDOT has produced a video showing how roundabouts work and improve overall safety for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. They also help reduce congestion and delays more typical at traditional intersections with stop signs and traffic signals.