Intersection of E. Rocky River (left) and Davidson-Concord roads. (David Boraks photo)

Construction of a roundabout at Davidson-Concord and East Rocky River roads could begin by mid-year, thanks to federal road improvement stimulus funds, state transportation officials said Friday.

Town officials say the project fits the description “shovel ready,” which is being used to describe the most likely targets for federal stimulus spending. The town and N.C. Department of Transportation have been planning the $600,000 project since last year. The new intersection has been designed and land has been acquired to make room for the improvements.

The only missing piece has been the funding, and that question has now been answered, N.C. DOT says.

Engineering drawing for the new roundabout.

“We’re going to use some of the stimulus money,” said Jen Thompson, an N.C. DOT spokeswoman, told DavidsonNews.net. Ms. Thompson said DOT hopes to sign construction contracts by May or June, and begin work soon after that. The work should be finished by October, she said.

Davidson Project and Public Works Director Doug Wright said Friday he’s been told construction should begin by June 30.

The town originally estimated its share of the project at around $150,000. But Town Manager Leamon Brice said Friday, “There’s enough (from DOT) to do the whole project, so we don’t have to put any money in.”

The state has acquired land on the Barger Farm, on either side of the intersection, owned by Hugh and Brenda Barger. (Brenda Barger writes the Around Davidson column for DavidsonNews.net.)

DANGER ZONE

The East Rocky River and Davidson-Concord intersection is a major three-way crossroads east of old Davidson, surrounded by farm fields. The speed limit is 45 miles per hour through the intersection in two directions, and there’s a stop sign in the third direction, in the northbound lane of Davidson-Concord Road.

It’s also one of the town’s most dangerous intersections. A roundabout would require traffic to slow considerably.

Mr. Brice said the town has long wanted to re-engineer the intersection. “This makes it safer and it will improve the appearance of the entrance to town,” he said.

Brenda Barger said Friday officials have described landscaping plans for the new intersection, including fencing and pine trees along the east side. She said she and her husband are glad to see the improvements finally happening, given its history of accidents.

“We feel that safety is the most important thing at the intersection,” she said.