PARKTON – The intersection of U.S. 301 and N.C. 71 east of Parkton will close next week, so contract workers can complete the construction of a roundabout.
The circular intersection is part of the ongoing Fayetteville Outer Loop project in this vicinity. The state Transportation Department is expecting more commercial trucks to use this intersection to access the loop, which is also Interstate 295.
Now, traffic on U.S. 301 does not stop, and those on N.C. 71 must yield to any oncoming traffic after stopping. A roundabout improves safety by reducing the risk of crashes and eliminates the stop-and-go nature of stop signs.
The intersection will close to traffic starting at 9 a.m. Monday and reopen by early June.
While closed, the signed detour will send drivers onto West Parkton Tobermory Road and Leeper/Parkton Road, which crosses the Cumberland-Robeson county line. People should approach the closure cautiously and plan for a longer trip when using the detour.
People may visit this NCDOT project page to learn more about the I-295 project.