FORT LIBERTY — Road work around Manchester Road near Fort Liberty continues, causing delays for some drivers who have raised concerns at the past two Community Action Council meetings.
In November, one audience member asked if the traffic light, where drivers on Vass Road turn onto N.C. 87 in Spring Lake could be looked at.
“It tends to only last about two minutes to make that right turn onto Vass Road from 87, which tends to cause a significant backup,” she said.
A response from the North Carolina Department of Transportation that was read at a meeting Wednesday stated that NCDOT is examining the traffic flow at the intersection.
The response stated that any changes to adjust the timing of the light should “allow the most efficient flow of traffic in the area.”
Another matter brought up last week, which officials said would be addressed at the February Community Action Council meeting, was an online user asking if a roundabout could be placed at Morrison Bridge and Manchester roads to improve traffic flow.
During Wednesday’s meeting, an audience member also asked when drivers can expect Manchester Road work to be completed.
Slides from Fort Liberty’s Directorate of Public Works show that the work is projected to be completed by May, said Assistant Chief Jeffery Gassaway, station commander for Fort Liberty’s law enforcement center.
Work being done now
During the November meeting, Director of Public Works Steve Wykel said that work on King Road, which is the first phase of roadwork, was expected to halt once the weather got cold toward the end of December or January.
According to Wykel’s presentation, work on King Road started in October and is expected to continue until May. Drivers are encouraged to use Manchester Road during that time.
The King Road pavement rehabilitation work is from Plank Road to Morganton Road.
Next phases
Wykel said the second phase will be more noticeable because Manchester Road will be blocked.
• The second phase of work will be from Morganton Road to Morrison Bridge Road from May until September. Drivers should use State Highway 690 to Morrison Bridge Road during that time.
• The third phase of work will be from Morrison Bridge Road to Blues Road, from September until October. Drivers should use Morganton to Plank Road of State Highway 690 during that time.
• The fourth and final phase will be from Blues Road to Lamont Road, from October until December. Lanes will shift during that work.
Officials said drivers can check for updates on roadwork by visiting https://home.army.mil/liberty/roads.
Staff writer Rachael Riley can be reached at [email protected] or 910-486-3528.