NCDOT says the new roundabout will replace the angled Lee–Franklin–Madison intersection.
By BC News Staff Writer
WHITEVILLE, NC — A $1.8 million NCDOT project will soon transform the angled Lee–Franklin–Madison intersection just south of downtown Whiteville into a modern roundabout designed to improve safety, traffic flow, and long‑term drainage.
The roundabout will replace the existing traffic signal at a location that carries about 16,000 vehicles per day. According to NCDOT, roundabouts in North Carolina have reduced fatal and injury crashes by 79% while improving traffic movement by eliminating the need to wait at a red light. Drivers entering the new intersection will yield to vehicles already circulating inside it.
Highland Paving Co. of Fayetteville was awarded the construction contract and has until the end of the year to complete the project.
In addition to the roundabout, crews will install significant underground stormwater improvements throughout the intersection. The upgrades are intended to reduce flooding and support long‑term infrastructure needs in the downtown district.
NCDOT has released a phased construction schedule that will bring multiple road closures over the next several months:
• June 23 through July 7
Northbound and southbound Franklin Street will be closed within the project area.
• July 8 through July 13
All roads within the project limits will reopen temporarily.
• July 13 through October 11
Northbound Lee Street, northbound and southbound Madison Street, and southbound Franklin Street will be closed as crews continue roundabout and stormwater work.
Drivers should expect detours and slower travel times as the contractor temporarily closes portions of the intersection and reroutes traffic onto Lee Street and surrounding roads.
The improvements are expected to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and provide more reliable drainage once the project is complete.
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