BUIES CREEK — The N.C. Department of Transportation will close U.S. 421 near Campbell University’s Barker-Lane Stadium for 30 days beginning Monday, Aug. 31, to begin construction on a pedestrian tunnel the DOT is building to make it safer and easier for pedestrians navigating across the roadway to the south side of main campus.
During the period that U.S. 421 is closed, drivers will be directed to a seven-mile detour using Johnson Farm Road, Sheriff Johnson Road and Old Stage Road.
DOT announced in early July that it awarded a $2.6 million contract to construct the pedestrian tunnel near Barker-Lane Stadium. The project will include paving, drainage, retaining walls and an underground culvert.
“Student access across 421 is vital to the growth of the university. We have housing for over 150 students on the south side of the highway, the PGA/PGM golf facility is there and our football stadium is there as well,” said Jim Roberts, Campbell’s vice president for business and treasurer. “The growth of the university is south of 421 and our new Health Sciences Campus and access to the new nursing and health sciences facility will be greatly enhanced by the pedestrian culvert giving safe access to the south side of the road and allowing students to bike, walk, jog and even skateboard across the area to class.”
The tunnel is expected to open in July 2016. Crews will continue work on the surrounding area, including planting vegetation, through December 2016.
NCDOT to close U.S. 421 near Campbell for 30 days beginning Aug. 31