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.