(UPDATE on Road Closures) Downtown Traffic Shift: 90-Day Closure Hits Historic Whiteville

July 13, 2026 Coastal Carolina News Staff Columbus County, News 0

Public Notice: Construction Delay at U.S. 701 Business Intersection

July 13, 2026

Due to recent rain and storms, the start of the roundabout project at the intersection of U.S. 701 Business (South Madison Street) with South Franklin and South Lee streets has been delayed.

With weather conditions now favorable, the project is moving forward with a new start date of July 20.

Project Overview During the project, which is expected to last approximately 90 days, crews will perform a full intersection shutdown to complete the following:

Concrete work for the truck apron and center island.
Installation of curbs and gutters.
Final paving and restriping of the intersection.

To facilitate the flow of detoured highway traffic during this period, the following lane closures will be in effect:

The southbound lane of South Franklin Street will be closed.
The northbound lane of South Lee Street will be closed.

Motorists are advised to stay alert and follow all posted detour routes throughout the duration of the project.

By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer

July 10, 2026

WHITEVILLE, NC — If you’ve spent any time driving through the heart of town lately, you know the rhythm of the daily commute: a quick pause at the light near the old tracks, a wave to a neighbor, and a steady flow toward the county seat. Starting next week, that familiar drive is going to look a little different.

As part of a $1.8 million investment to modernize local infrastructure, a major artery into downtown Whiteville will close for 90 days to make way for a new roundabout at the intersection of U.S. 701 Business (South Madison Street), South Franklin, and South Lee streets.

A New Chapter for a Historic Hub

The intersection, which serves as a gateway to the historic spirit of our town, is set to close at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14.

For a community that prides itself on being the heartbeat of Columbus County, this transition represents a significant change. While the current traffic signal has been a fixture for years, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) reports that the new roundabout is designed to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently. The goal is to clear up the congestion that often builds as residents and visitors alike travel to the courthouse, local businesses, and the downtown district.

Contract crews will be working through the summer heat to pour the concrete apron and center island, construct new curbs and gutters, and finish with fresh paving and striping. If the weather holds up, the new intersection is expected to be fully open by mid-October, just in time for the cooler autumn air.

Infrastructure: More Than Just Traffic

Beyond the changing traffic patterns, there is a broader interest in the structural resilience of this project. For those who operate businesses in the historic district, these major road improvements bring with them an expectation of better drainage management.

Every shop owner in downtown Whiteville knows that when the clouds darken, the stakes are high. There is a collective hope that these infrastructure updates – specifically the construction of new curbs and gutters – will include the necessary enhancements to our drainage systems to help alleviate the flooding issues that have historically impacted downtown storefronts. It is an opportunity to ensure that our streets are not only safer for drivers but better equipped to handle the heavy rainfall that has challenged our downtown business community for years.

While we are all used to the convenience of cutting through downtown, we will need to adjust our routes for the next three months. Here is how to navigate the construction zone:

Heading North on U.S. 701 Business: Take a right onto South Franklin Street, then a left onto East Main Street to find your way back to the highway.
Heading South on U.S. 701 Business: Take a right at West Main Street, then a left onto South Lee Street to reconnect.

Please keep in mind that the closure will also affect nearby lanes: the southbound lane of South Franklin Street will be closed starting at Caldis Street, and the northbound lane of South Lee Street will be closed up to Frazier Street.

A Note to Our Neighbors

As we navigate this construction, please remember to give yourself extra time for your commute and stay alert for construction crews and new traffic signage. This town has weathered plenty of changes before, and will manage this one, too. By staying patient with fellow drivers and following the posted detours, we can keep the local flow moving while these necessary improvements take shape.