Berkeley Boulevard gets a $30.7 million makeover
GOLDSBORO, NC – A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation will widen and make other improvements to 2.4 miles of Berkeley Boulevard, which is also U.S. 13.
The project spans from New Hope Road to Interstate 42, and also upgrades the intersection of U.S. 13 at Saulston Road a mile north of the freeway.
The bulk of the work will be to widen Berkeley Boulevard to a four-lane roadway with a raised median and concrete curbs and gutters. Most of the existing roadway has three lanes, including a center turn lane.
Reduced conflict intersections will be constructed at smaller crossroads along Berkeley Boulevard to improve safety.
The department last week awarded the contract to Branch Civil Inc. of Roanoke, Virginia, which can begin work in June. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2029.
Other project highlights include:
- Upgrading the traffic signals at New Hope Road, Tommy’s Road and Hood Swamp Road. The intersection at New Hope Road will get pedestrian signals and crosswalks;
- Eliminating where Central Heights Road currently intersects Berkeley Boulevard to improve safety; drivers on Central Heights will use Tommy’s Road to access U.S. 13;
- Adding turn lanes and installing a traffic signal at U.S. 13 and Saulston Road; and
- Constructing a sidewalk between New Hope Road and south of Tommy’s Road.
