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N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews will start building a roundabout next week at the intersection of N.C. 200 and N.C. 522 (Rocky River Road), weather permitting.

Roundabouts improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists, according to the DOT. They also help reduce the congestion and backups more typical at traditional intersections with stop signs and traffic signals. NCDOT has produced a video showing how roundabouts work and improve overall safety.

Separate detours will be posted for trucks and smaller vehicles.

Motorists traveling south on N.C. 200 will take Plyler Mill Road, Ruben Road, Rocky River Road, and Tom Starnes Road, returning to N.C. 200. Northbound drivers will follow this detour in reverse.

Trucks traveling south on N.C. 200 should follow N.C. 75 to S. Potter Road, which will turn into Old Waxhaw-Monroe Road. Trucks will then turn to Providence Road South, returning to N.C. 200. Northbound truck traffic will follow the detour in reverse.

The contract calls for the roadway to be open by Aug. 28, with vegetation establishment continuing through March 1, 2023.