Murphy – Like it or not, work is about to start in Downtown Murphy that will lead to repaving, new lane configurations and – here it comes – a new traffic circle.
N.C. Department of Transportation will begin work on Monday.
The project will bring permanent traffic changes designed to enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and create a more pedestrian-friendly downtown, the town announced in a news release on Friday.
This project will introduce a new roundabout and reduce travel lanes to one in each direction through downtown. These changes aim to improve traffic flow and pedestrian access.
Work to be completed:
- Removing existing lane markings and restriping roads to reflect the new traffic pattern.
- Reducing lanes to one in each direction with middle turn lane.
- Installing temporary flexible bollards to define the roundabout and covering traffic lights during construction.
- Constructing a permanent roundabout to replace the current intersection at Peachtree, Tennessee and Hiwassee streets and Valley River Avenue.
- Adding pedestrian safety islands and upgraded crosswalks.
- Installing new curbs at intersections and adjusting stormwater drainage.
While the final traffic pattern will be permanent, some temporary detours and crosswalk adjustments will be necessary during construction. Drivers should anticipate lane shifts and detours, and nearby businesses and residents may experience nighttime construction noise.
To minimize daytime disruptions, construction will primarily occur from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., with work expected to continue through the spring.
Details: Call 828-837-2510, ext. 4 for detailed information.