HUNTERSVILLE – N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews will begin a $30.8 million project next week to convert the existing Gilead Road interchange at Interstate 77 to a diverging diamond interchange and make additional improvements to U.S. 21 (Statesville Road) and Gilead Road.
The diverging diamond design allows two directions of traffic to temporarily cross to the left side of the road, providing easier access to the interstate. The project also includes a new bridge to handle eastbound traffic over I-77, with the existing bridge serving westbound drivers.
In addition, a section of U.S. 21 will be widened from two to four lanes on either side of Gilead Road to accommodate a reduced conflict intersection design, a type of intersection that redirects side-street traffic from going straight or left at a divided highway intersection.
Under the contract, lane closures will be permitted from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday – Friday, and overnights on weekends. Restrictions will be in place for holidays and special events that may generate heavy traffic volumes.
Drivers should anticipate lane closures on Gilead Road, Statesville Road and Reese Boulevard during the life of the project, as well as lanes and/or ramps on I-77 near exit 23.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.