BUIES CREEK — The N.C. Department of Transportation has pushed back its plans to close a small portion of U.S. 421 near Barker-Lane Stadium for 30 days until at least mid-September.
NCDOT had planned to close U.S. 421 beginning Aug. 31 to start construction on a pedestrian tunnel it is building to make it safer and easier for pedestrians to cross the highway to access south side of campus.
The closure will begin sometime in September, with the exact date to be announced within two weeks of the start date. Campbell will announce that date as soon as it is notified by the NCDOT.
Once NCDOT begins work on the project, U.S. 421 between Judge Taylor Road/Leslie Campbell Avenue and Hatcher Street/Harmon Road will be closed for 30 days.
Campbell students, faculty, staff and visitors coming from Lillington or Dunn via 421 will be able to travel to main campus by taking Leslie Campbell Avenue and Judge Taylor Road or Hatcher Street/Harmon Road.
Truckers and other bypass drivers will be redirected to a seven-mile detour using Johnson Farm Road, Sheriff Johnson Road and Old Stage Road.
NCDOT announced in July it had awarded a $2.6 million contract to construct the tunnel. It is expected to open in July 2016.