Johnston Reporter

The North Carolina Department of Transportation said more than $950,000 in planned safety improvements to the Northern Johnston County commuter route are slated to begin in July. 

In a June 2 press release, the Transportation Department said that $953,920 will fund a half-mile section of Buffalo Road to three lanes between Lake Wendell Road and north of Archer Lodge. 

According to the Transportation Department, the project also includes creating a center turn lane and realignment of the intersections at Lake Wendell Road and Buffalo Road, which "skewed" making it difficult for motorists traveling on Lake Wendell Road when entering the intersection to see oncoming traffic, the Transportation Department said. 

The Fred Smith Company will widen the road with the project expected to be finished by the end of the year, according to the website. The Transportation Department said the roads will not be closed during the construction but that drivers will see lane closures except during morning and afternoon rush hour.