Whiteville downtown roundabout project keeps key intersection closed through October

A downtown Whiteville intersection closed July 14 for construction of a roundabout and drainage improvements, sending northbound and southbound U.S. 701 Business traffic through nearby streets for an expected period of about 90 days.

The closure began at 8 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. 701 Business, South Franklin Street and South Lee Street. The $1.8 million state highway project began in June and is expected to affect the downtown traffic pattern through approximately Oct. 11, 2026.

What is changing at the intersection

The North Carolina Department of Transportation project will replace the existing traffic signal with a roundabout. Construction includes a concrete apron and center island, curbs and gutters, paving and restriping, as well as drainage upgrades.

NCDOT announced the project contract on Feb. 25, 2026. The department’s announcement identified the project location as U.S. 701 Business and South Madison Street, while the closure information identifies the intersection where U.S. 701 Business meets South Franklin Street and South Lee Street.

The work is intended to improve safety, traffic flow and drainage at a central downtown route. For now, the practical effect is a sustained detour for people traveling through Whiteville, including commuters and customers heading toward downtown businesses.

Detours and downtown access

Traffic in both directions on U.S. 701 Business is being routed through nearby downtown streets, including South Madison Street. Drivers should follow posted detours and allow for the altered route while the major closure remains in place.

City officials said downtown businesses would remain open and accessible during construction. That does not mean the businesses are unaffected: the intersection closure and detours change how customers, workers and other travelers reach the area.

The project schedule is not a guaranteed completion date. Officials described the closure as lasting about 90 days, and the reported schedule places the end of the major closure period at approximately Oct. 11. Construction dates can change, and the project should not be treated as complete on that date unless NCDOT confirms completion.

Safety rationale and next milestone

NCDOT says roundabouts in North Carolina have reduced fatal and injury crashes by 79%. That statistic is a statewide comparison supplied by the transportation department. It is not a forecast or guarantee that crashes at this specific Whiteville intersection will fall by the same amount.

The next known milestone for the public is the projected end of the major closure period in October. Until then, the work will continue to affect movement through downtown Whiteville, while the planned roundabout, paving, restriping and drainage improvements are completed.