21 crashes in 5 years: Nash County roundabouts aim to improve safety

Two intersections near Rocky Mount in Nash County are getting new roundabouts after more than 20 crashes in the area in the last five years.

Khrystal Avent works from home. Her office window faces Goldrock Road in Rocky Mount.

Avent said she is used to hearing cars speed by outside her window. Sometimes, that sound is followed by a bang.

"There have been a lot of accidents," Avent said. "I can hear [cars] jump the curb. That's what makes me get out of my seat."

Avent said an accident last year knocked down the fence opposite her yard.

"That white fence. [A car] knocked that completely down. That just got remodeled not too long ago," she said.

Two intersections on Goldrock Road are getting a mini roundabout. The first is located at Greyson Road and Cunningham Drive, and the second is at Waterloo Drive and Roundtree Drive, both in Rocky Mount.

Andrew Barksdale, a spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), said the projects directly result from a high number of wrecks.

Data from the NCDOT shows 21 crashes over that stretch of Goldrock Road over a five-year period. Two of them were deadly.

"The data shows there is a crash problem there. These mini roundabouts are a good solution - a very cost-efficient solution - that we expect will reduce crashes," Barksdale said.

The NCDOT awarded a $380,000 contract for the projects last fall.

The Goldrock Road roundabouts are two of 17 new roundabouts planned or finished in Nash County recently.

"It seems like Rocky Mount is the new town of roundabouts now," Avent said.

According to Barksdale, there's a reason.

"These roundabouts that are populating Nash County are [a] combination of our local partners and our own engineers saying, 'This is the best, safest way for this intersection.' It's the best solution," Barksdale said.

According to Barksdale, the roundabouts will help support the county's growth and ease congestion on the road.

Travelers should expect minor delays on Goldrock Road beginning April 15.