HICKORY – A N.C. Department of Transportation contractor closed a section of a Catawba County road for a weeklong maintenance project.
This morning a section of the 21st Street Drive Southeast Extension between U.S. 70 and Startown Road closed. The roadway is scheduled to reopen March 29 after crews fill the 40-foot diameter grassy area at the center of the roundabout on the route with concrete, weather permitting.
Since the opening of the two-lane road several months ago, crews have repaired the grassy area at least four times due to tractor trailers using the roundabout getting stuck while attempting to make U-turns. Filling the area with concrete is expected to mitigate damage and reduce accidents in this section of the extension.
Traffic will be detoured to Startown Road and U.S. 70.
Motorists should use caution and expect some delay due to the detour.