SANDYFIELD – A major milestone in the long-awaited interchange project at N.C. 87 and N.C. 11 is set to occur next week.
On the morning of July 29, contract crews plan to remove the all-way stop that has been in place at the intersection since 2017 as an interim safety measure. At the same time, N.C. 11 traffic will be shifted onto the new bridge over N.C. 87 for the first time.
This change, weather permitting, will allow drivers on N.C. 87 to travel freely beneath the new overpass. However, the interchange is not yet fully complete, so several temporary traffic patterns will remain in place for about a month:
- N.C. 87 southbound to N.C. 11: Drivers should use the new loop in the southeastern quadrant, where they will come to a stop at N.C. 11 before turning left or right.
- N.C. 87 northbound to N.C. 11: Proceed under the N.C. 11 bridge and use the turn-around lane at Woodyard Road. Then travel south on N.C. 87 and take the loop that leads to N.C. 11.
- N.C. 11 to N.C. 87 South: Use the new ramp in the southeastern quadrant.
- N.C. 11 to N.C. 87 North: First take the new ramp leading onto N.C. 87 southbound, then use the turn-around lane at Narrow Gap Road to safely enter the northbound lanes.
The two turn-around areas — constructed with additional pavement — are designed as reduced conflict intersections, which help lower the risk of crashes. Until permanent concrete islands are installed later this summer, orange drums will guide drivers through these temporary configurations.
Following the July 29 traffic shift, N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews will begin tying the new alignment of N.C. 11 into the loop and ramp in the northwest quadrant. When that quadrant opens to traffic, which is expected by the end of August, the interchange will be fully operational. Motorists should pay attention to the updated signage to reach their destinations safely.
After traffic is fully flowing through the interchange, crews will complete final paving, striping, and other finishing work. The $36 million project is scheduled for completion this fall. Construction began in the fall of 2023.