RALEIGH — A roundabout is to be constructed at an intersection on N.C. 710 in Pembroke to reduce the risk of crashes, the state Department of Transportation announced Wednesday.

The roundabout is estimated to cost $2 million, and DOT officials currently are developing a project schedule, but anticipate the construction beginning by 2020.

There have been 33 collisions at N.C. 710 and Deep Branch Road outside Pembroke since 2012, according to the Transportation Department. Nine collisions involved motorists who ran a red traffic signal, leading in many cases to angled, or T-boned crashes. There also were nine crashes when drivers turning left failed to yield to oncoming traffic.

More roundabouts, such as the recently opened one at Pine Log Road and Carthage Road outside Lumberton, are being built, according to the DOT. They are considered safer because drivers must slow down going through them. They also eliminate the stop-and-go nature of conventional intersections with stop signs or traffic lights.

“We are always looking for ways to improve the safety of our roads, and this roundabout will decrease accidents,” said Grady Hunt, the Division 6 board member for the N.C. Department of Transportation.

Staff report