North Carolina shifts traffic for $81M intersection redesign and $14.6M roundabout projects

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) began shifting traffic on July 23 at an intersection on U.S. 421 in Wilkes County. Drivers will use a new right‑turn‑then‑U‑turn pattern while all movements remain signalized. The change is part of an $81 million project to convert a two‑mile stretch of U.S. 421 to reduced‑conflict intersections, which NCDOT says could cut overall crashes by 50 % and frontal‑impact crashes by 80 %. The work, carried out by contractor Branch Civil Inc., is slated for completion in fall 2027.

On the same day, NCDOT also redirected traffic for a $14.6 million roundabout project on Catawba Avenue near Interstate 77 exit 28 in Cornelius. Caton Construction Group will guide drivers into one of two new roundabouts, eliminating left turns and easing congestion. The project aims to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists and is expected to be finished by winter 2027.