In this NCDOT map, I-77 runs across the bottom, left to right, the Post Office is at the left and the car dealership is at the right. Both are just below the new roundabouts
April 28. By Dave Vieser. You’ve no doubt noticed utility lines being moved on Torrence Chapel and Knox roads in recent months as a $32 million road improvement project gets under way. It will ultimately eliminate all left turns for eastbound traffic on West Catawba at the Torrence Chapel/Liverpool intersection while also creating three new roundabouts and allowing for improvements to Knox Road.
The notion of eliminating all left turns at the busy Torrence Chapel/West Catawba intersection originally met with stiff opposition from residents and local businesses.
But in October 2023, the Town Board decided to move forward with all three roundabouts and modifications on left turns, according to Deputy Town Manager Wayne Herron. This is a DOT project with the town paying their share of approximately $8 million. Construction is expected to start this fall, with completion expected in the fall of 2028.
Traffic is limited to one lane on Knox Road as utility poles are relocated. Knox Road will remain a two lane road, but lanes will be wider to accommodate added traffic.
Details
Torrence Chapel/Catawba/Liverpool intersection:
Left turns for eastbound traffic will be eliminated. Eastbound motorists seeking to reach the Fresh Market shopping area, Knox Road or Torrence Chapel Road, will be directed to turn left at One Norman, then use Knox Road to access those areas. Left turns for westbound traffic will continue to be permitted and the DOT plans to add an additional turning lane to expedite these left turns. Currently the left-turn lane only accommodates five cars; with the additional lane, up to 10 vehicles will be accommodated.
Liverpool Parkway and Chartwell Center Drive, near the Post Office:
The current configuration which includes awkward lines of sight will be replaced by a traffic circle.
Torrence Chapel near the Fresh Market shopping area:
A new traffic circle will reduce the congestion currently caused by left-turning motorists seeking to reach the shopping center which houses, among other retailers, Total Wine, Honey Baked Ham, as well as Fresh Market.
Knox Road and Torrence Chapel Road:
This intersection contains seriously awkward lines of sight and will be replaced by a new traffic circle.
Knox Road:
Although it will continue to be two lanes, they will be widened to better accommodate the anticipated added traffic. The movement of utilities currently under way along Knox from One Norman to Torrence Chapel Road as part of these improvements.
One Norman Blvd and West Catawba:
This intersection and the accompanying signal will be upgraded to better handle crossing and turning traffic.
This map shows Knox Road, with the traffic circle at Knox and Torrence Chapel on the right.
WHAT A HORRIBLE MESS!
And on top of the road mess is the “cherry on top” – keeping right on building and building and building!
We need a new town board who has their heads on their shoulders that truly works!
Posted by Unbelievable! | April 28, 2025, 12:58 pmAGREE with UNBELIEVABLE!
The roundabouts do not help the traffic flow at all. And no one uses them correctly.
Do you know that the Atrium hospital is NFP and won’t pay a dime of tax??????
ALSO: NO CRIME STUDY was done on the effects of a hospital on top of neighborhoods. Ask anyone who has worked in emergency at a hospital!!!!
The town board could care less and doesn’t listen to the citizens. But they sure know how to increase taxes and now I suppose they will expect US to pay for the taxes on the hospital.
Cornelius now is one of the top cities in the country for pollution.
Posted by D | April 28, 2025, 4:24 pmLike… there are better solutions coming from those complaining. Get over it and get out of the way of those taking action.
Posted by Richard Stilwell | April 28, 2025, 6:03 pmGet out of the way of those taking action? Wow! What a lack of creativity on your part. It indicates that you also do not have any solutions but have decided to sit back and do nothing.
Posted by William Stanford | April 29, 2025, 10:37 amOne large traffic circle on torrence and catawba would make the most sense. That would eliminate the traffic light altogether and you wouldn’t have the same car crossing catawba twice. How long will the traffic light need to be to make turns from Liverpool or Terrence. It stupid to have the traffic circles on the side roads. The one on Knox makes sense due to the awareness of that intersection. The other circles are a waste of money.
Posted by Rick | April 28, 2025, 7:17 pmA while back someone made the point that the total lack of “access roads” running parallel with the interstate cause back ups on the interstate and local traffic roads. Very sound idea! Have the local politicos even considered this? Or are they still wanting to pay homage to Billy Preston? All together now, sing it loud… Will it go round in circles?
Posted by Donn Leppard | April 29, 2025, 10:44 am