Widening project puts squeeze on Berkeley
By Staff Reports
Published in News on August 27, 2015 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/MELISSA KEY
A new traffic pattern on Berkeley Boulevard has closed the left lane and caused some temporary delays. The change was made to accommodate ongoing construction.
Lane reductions and traffic shifts have been implemented on North Berkeley Boulevard as work is under way on widening the road from New Hope Road south.
Traffic will remain in this pattern until the widening project is complete in June 2016.
Currently there are two northbound lanes on Berkeley Boulevard and a center turn lane.
But there is only one southbound lane between New Hope Road and the area in front of Berkeley Commons.
In June, Fred Smith Co. of Raleigh received a $3 million contract to add a second southbound lane.
Also being added is a right turn lane for southbound traffic at Royall Avenue.
The project also includes replacement of a culvert that runs under the road near Adamsville Baptist Church.
While work is taking place, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction, with a center turn lane, and will be shifted toward the northbound lanes.
Northbound traffic will use the existing outside northbound lane, the existing inside northbound lane will be used as the center turn lane, and southbound traffic will use the existing center turn lane.
By putting traffic in this pattern and closing the current southbound lane, there will be a full lane separating crews and traffic, which will increase safety for all working in and driving through the work zone, state Department of Transportation officials said.
The improvements will improve traffic flow on Berkeley Boulevard, which is expected to see an increase in average daily traffic from a recorded 15,500 in 2008 to a projected 29,100 in 2035, the officials said.
Motorists are advised to use caution while traveling in the area and to expect delays. Also, DOT officials reminds motorists to watch signs for construction information, stay alert and obey the posted speed limit.
For real-time travel information at any time, call 511, visit the Traveler Services section of the DOT website or follow the DOT on Twitter.
You can also access NCDOT Mobile, a version of the DOT website especially for mobile devices.
Visit m.ncdot.gov from your mobile browser.