CORNELIUS — Next week, N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews will shift traffic to one of two roundabouts at the intersection of Catawba Avenue and U.S. 21 (Statesville Road) in Cornelius as part of a $14.6 million contract the N.C. Department of Transportation approved in 2023.
The roundabouts are being built 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.
The contractor, Caton Construction Group Inc. of Charlottesville, Va. Is planning to shift traffic after 9 p.m. Thursday, July 23, into the roundabout located on U.S. 21 south of Catawba Avenue. The second roundabout north of the intersection is still under construction and should open later in the fall.
When the project is complete, the need for left turns will be eliminated. 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 on Catawba Avenue.
The benefits are improved safety and a less-congested ride through the area.
Contract crews anticipate completing 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.