LEXINGTON – N. C. Department of Transportation crews will temporarily close Old U.S. 64 and the Interstate 85 South offramp (Exit 98) in all directions to construct a new roundabout in Davidson County. The intersection will be closed for three weeks, starting Aug. 10, while crews build the new roundabout.
In addition, Old U.S. 64 will be closed between I-85 North and East Center Street in Lexington.
Signed detours will be provided and posted on DriveNC.gov.
The N.C. Department of Transportation builds roundabouts to improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists. They also help reduce the congestion and backups more typical of traditional intersections with stop signs and traffic signals.
A driver generally enters the roundabout more quickly than if waiting at a traffic signal. In addition, the modern roundabout is much smaller than older traffic circles and requires vehicles to travel at lower speeds (15-20 mph), making them safer than traffic circles. Additionally, the slower speeds make it easier for a driver to find a gap of traffic inside the roundabout before safely entering it.
Drivers yield to any vehicles or bicyclists already in the roundabout. Everyone using the roundabout moves in a counterclockwise direction, and those already in it do not yield to approaching vehicles.
Drivers should use turn signals when exiting and yield to pedestrians using the crosswalk at the roundabout. In addition, drivers should plan ahead for delays and follow all posted detour signs to avoid the work zones.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.