CORNELIUS — Improvements are coming soon to the intersection of Catawba Avenue and U.S. 21 (Statesville Road) in Cornelius, thanks to a $14.6 million contract the N.C. Department of Transportation approved in October.
The contractor, Caton Construction Group Inc. of Charlottesville, Va. will build two roundabouts in an area that experiences routine congestion and high traffic volume. With Interstate 77 located just west of the intersection, traffic frequently backs up to the Catawba Avenue interchange, compounding travel conditions.
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 U-turn in one of the roundabouts, then continue straight through Catawba Avenue to U.S. 21.
The benefits are improved safety and a less-congested ride through the area.
Contract crews can start as early as mid-March 2024 to complete the project by winter 2027.
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 and traditional intersections with stop signs and traffic signals.