The transition to a diverging diamond interchange at the intersection of Interstate 77 and Gilead Road is a significant alteration being implemented by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The $30.8 million project, which was announced as part of a plan to improve safety and facilitate traffic flow, begins its execution phase this week. The adjustments start Thursday evening with a modification to left turn patterns at U.S. 21, directing traffic into designated U-turn bulbs, according to information on the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s website.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation plans to close Gilead Road between Reese Boulevard and U.S. 21 at 9 p.m. on Friday as part of the ongoing renovation. Drivers are forced to take I-77 as a detour during the closure, which is committed to installing lane markings for the new configuration. Drivers who are used to traveling the direct route may initially find the diversion confusing. By 6 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, the road should reopen, displaying its new diverging diamond arrangement.
The renovations to the interchange have been anticipated by commuters and the Huntersville neighborhood. According to reports, the new layout lessens vehicle conflict spots and, consequently, the likelihood of accidents, which is advantageous for the expanding infrastructure in the area. Diverging diamond interchanges are not a new idea in the area; local drivers can use them as a point of reference because they are similar to those at Interstates 485 and 85.
Drivers should allow extra time to get used to the new configuration. On its release page, the North Carolina Department of Transportation warns that when drivers adjust to the pattern, there may be a steep learning curve. The North Carolina Department of Transportation advises monitoring their social media accounts or visiting DriveNC.gov for real-time travel conditions in order to receive navigation updates and traffic advisories.
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