A $35.8 million project that will make driving and walking safer along a congested stretch of Raeford Road in west Fayetteville begins in February. A 2.1-mile section of the busy highway between Bunce and Old Raeford Roads will receive raised medians, additional turn lanes and a new storm drainage system. Sidewalks will be constructed on both sides in that locality. Intersections with no traffic signals will redirect cross-street traffic into right turns only.

"This will be a big safety enhancement and a major investment in one of the city's busiest corridors," said Drew Cox, a DOT engineer.

The construction contractor, Highland Paving Co. of Fayetteville, will be required to keep a minimum of four lanes open between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. when traffic volumes are higher. The project is scheduled for completion by the fall of 2024. Additional details are available on NCDOT's website.