Intersection known for crashes to become roundabout in Bladen County

BLADENBORO, NC (WWAY) — An intersection in Bladenboro is going through another transformation, as the NC Department of Transportation makes plans to install a roundabout at NC 211 and NC 131.

The NCDOT installed a traffic signal at this location long ago, but because this area is rural, drivers wait for a red light when there is no opposing traffic, the NCDOT said.

“Based on the data we have today and the department’s demonstrated success with roundabouts, drivers would be much better served going through a roundabout at this location,” said Ken Clark, the department’s District 3 engineer based in Whiteville.

Formally known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021, the law created the Carbon Reduction Program. The program funds projects that can decrease engine idling and travel delays and, thereby, lower carbon emissions.

The Mid-Carolina Rural Planning Organization has endorsed this project, and Bladen County officials have asked NCDOT to improve the safety and efficiency of this intersection.

According to figures compiled by the department’s Traffic Safety Unit, this intersection saw 15 crashes, injuring 15 people, over the past five years. Among the crashes, nine were the more serious frontal-impact type.

Although the project has not yet been designed, Clark said this roundabout would be similar to the single-lane roundabout that opened in 2020 in Dublin that is large enough to easily accommodate commercial trucks.

The department already has the necessary land for the Bladenboro roundabout, bringing down costs for it. A $1.9 million federal grant awarded this fall for the roundabout requires a 20% match from NCDOT funds, bringing the project cost to around $2.3 million.

The department is aiming to start construction in late 2025.