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N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews will close New Town Road at Ennis/Broomes Old Mill roads on May 1 to convert the existing intersection to a roundabout. Contractor Kemp Sigmon Construction. Co. Inc. was recently awarded the $893,532 project.

The contract calls for the roundabout to open to drivers in late June. Landscaping and vegetation establishment can continue through the end of the year.

During the closure, drivers on New Town Road will detour along Twelve Mile Creek Road, N.C. 84 and N.C. 16 before returning to New Town Road.

Traffic on N.C. 16 will use N.C. 84, Twelve Mile Creek Road and New Town Road during construction.

Roundabouts improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. They also help reduce the congestion and backups more typical at traditional intersections with stop signs and traffic signals.

NCDOT has produced a video showing how roundabouts work and improve overall safety.