LAP-funded intersection improvements start on or after Sept. 8 at Wendell Boulevard and Wendell Falls Parkway

Town engineer Sarah Lentine updated the Wendell Town Board of Commissioners on Sept. 8 about the LAP U-6244 intersection improvement project at Wendell Boulevard and Wendell Falls Parkway, saying the contractor has mobilized and work is expected to begin on or after Sept. 8.

Lentine said the contract—awarded to Fred Smith Company—uses federal funding administered through CAMPO and NCDOT oversight under the Locally Administered Projects (LAP) program. The roughly $2.2 million project includes a new traffic signal at the Wendell Falls Parkway intersection, water-line installation and sewer tie-ins, stormwater work at the intersection and down Wendell Falls Parkway to Cook Street, sidewalks, improved crosswalks with pedestrian signals, a turn lane, resurfacing and landscaping. The contract includes lane closure restrictions during weekday peak hours and a temporary closure of Wendell Falls Parkway from Wendell Boulevard to Cook Street during parts of construction.

Lentine said local access to driveways will be maintained, deliveries will be allowed, and the contractor will secure trenches and traffic controls at the end of each workday. She said the project is projected to be completed in spring 2026 and that detours will use Third Street and Cypress Street while the temporary closure is in effect.

A board member asked whether the new crosswalk at Wendell Falls would include a pedestrian signal; Lentine confirmed a pedestrian signal will be provided. Lentine also said the contractor will perform door-to-door notifications to adjacent property owners before closures and that weekend work is possible when critical tasks require it.

No formal action was taken; the board received the construction update.