By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
Drivers into downtown Hayesville may have some delays for a while due to construction along US Business 64. The work being done will improve the road through the area, according to Adam Dockery with the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
In addition to a roundabout being constructed at the intersection of US 64 Business and Hiawassee Street, there will be a lot of improvements to the area.
Dockery, who is Resident Engineer for NCDOT District 3, Division 14, based in Andrews, explained. “This project is designed to make improvements to the typical section along US 64 Business beginning at US 64 and ending at SR 1307, which is Main Street,” he said. “We will be installing new storm water systems, sidewalk, curb and gutter, as well as the roundabout. We will replace the culvert at Town Creek.”
A traffic light will be also installed at the intersection of US 64 and US 64 Business, which is where Hot Spot is.
When asked about the projected timeline and project budget, Dockery replied, “The project has an availability date of Dec. 1, 2025 and a completion date of Jan. 25, 2029. The project has a budget of about $17 million.” The road project was awarded to Watson Contracting of Macon County.
Dockery added, “This job is designed to improve the safety of the corridor for both the traveling public and pedestrians by adding addition lane widths and sidewalks, as well as a roundabout. Roundabouts will improve traffic safety and operational efficiency by reducing frequency and severity of crashes, minimizing vehicle delays and moderating travel speeds.”
He said to expect traffic delays. “There will be daily lane closures as well as off-site detours for the reconstruction of the culvert at Town Creek and the roundabout.”
Information found at: ncdot.gov/initiatives-policies/Transportation/safety-mobility/roundabouts shares these safety facts about roundabouts. ”These safety improvements were achieved after roundabouts replaced 13 intersections with 55 mph speed limits:”
Citing NCDOT’s Traffic Safety Unit for 2020, the info says total crashes decreased by 41 percent while fatal and injury crashes went down 79 percent and head-on crashes went down by 62 percent.
When 30 roundabouts were constructed across the state, there were similar safety improvements. Based on an NCDOT Mobility and Safety Division, total crashes were down 46 percent and fatality and injury crashes decreased by 76 percent. Head-on crashes went down by 75 percent.
Dockery ended by reminding, “As mentioned before, there will be traffic delays. We urge motorists to obey all traffic laws, posted speed limits and construction signs while traveling along US 64 Business while the corridor is being constructed.”