Construction to widen and improve the safety of a 1.5-mile stretch of North William Street (U.S. 117) in Goldsboro began Monday with the installation of orange-and-white drums and other barriers.
An N.C. Department of Transportation contractor, JSmith Civil, LLC of Goldsboro, will widen the road to four lanes between the U.S. 70 Bypass and U.S. 70/U.S. 13. Additionally, a raised median and concrete curbs and gutters will be built.
Most of the route has two lanes. The contractor will not be allowed to close or narrow lanes during the morning (6-9 a.m.) and afternoon (4-7 p.m.) weekday commute, so drivers should expect lane closures and delays traveling through the area at other times.
Motorists should slow down and be alert for construction crews and equipment.
Medians improve safety
The median will improve safety by redirecting drivers on some of the side streets into turning right. If they want to go in the opposite direction, drivers will use a dedicated lane a short distance away to safely make a U-turn. This design is known as a reduced-conflict intersection, because it reduces the risk of serious collisions.
As part of the contract, traffic signals will be installed on North William Street at Neil Street; 11th Street; Patetown Road; and Industry Court.
The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023.
The NCDOT awarded the $15.3 million contract in March. Work could not begin until all of the utility lines had been relocated.
