A $1.5 million project is set to get underway next week on a section of N.C. Highway 24-27 between Spaulding Street and Henson Street in Albemarle to improve safety for drivers.

The project calls for construction of concrete median islands and directional crossovers, which are used on median-divided roadways to allow for additional turning movements.

This type of crossover provides for safer left turns and U-turns. The traffic signal at Leonard Avenue will also be modified to accommodate an additional left-turn lane.

Weather permitting, contractor J.T. Russell and Sons will begin work on Monday, and the project is scheduled to wrap up by the end of November.

The contract allows for lane closures between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the week. Extended lane closures may occur during certain phases of the project.

Access to businesses will be maintained during construction.