Atlantic Avenue widening project to resume Monday after previous contractor abandoned project

The original contractor, J-Smith Civil, abandoned the project in August 2023. The Goldsboro-based contractor was supposed to have 75% of the project completed in August, but it was only 20% complete. The city terminated its contract with J-Smith Civil, and Carolina Sunrock is now the new construction contractor.

Posted 4:21 p.m. Jan 8 — Updated 10:45 p.m. Jan 8

By

WRAL staff

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Atlantic Avenue widening project is set to resume Monday.

The original contractor, J-Smith Civil, abandoned the project in August 2023. The Goldsboro-based contractor was supposed to have 75% of the project completed in August, but it was only 20% complete. The city terminated its contract with J-Smith Civil, and Carolina Sunrock is now the construction contractor.

The goal of the project is to make improvements to Atlantic Avenue between New Hope Church Road and Highwoods Boulevard.

Carolina Sunrock's first priorities are to replace and repair erosion control along the project limits and ensure all construction signage is in place.

"There's no question it's a mess right now," said WRAL reporter Brian Schrader. "It'll be much more pedestrian-friendly when it's done."

Once that's done, crews will start work on a section of the sewer main that needs to be replaced. This work will occur behind the current barricade at the temporary traffic shift between New Hope Church Road and Ingram Drive.

While this work is underway, other crews will start installing new storm drains near the intersection of New Hope Church Road and at the Highwoods Boulevard intersection.

"We are working to improve safety and make it easier for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians to navigate this section of Atlantic Avenue," the city said.

Improvements to the roadway will include the following features: