The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is launching a $13.3 million safety project at the Highway 321 and Mission Road intersection in Caldwell County, with construction potentially starting next week. This reconfigures the layout into a reduced conflict intersection (RCI), where drivers from Mission Road must turn right onto Highway 321 and use a downstream U-turn to reach Lower Cedar Valley Road, eliminating direct left turns and cross-traffic.
Project Goals
The redesign aims to enhance traffic flow on the busy four-lane highway and significantly cut crash risks, particularly severe angle or head-on collisions. NCDOT data supports RCIs reducing total crashes by about 50% and serious incidents by up to 80%.
Broader Scope
This marks the first of three planned RCI upgrades along Highway 321, followed by Herman Road ($8.2 million, bids next summer) and Pine Mountain Road ($16 million). The work ties into a larger $386 million widening effort from Hickory to Lenoir, expanding the road to six lanes.
Timeline and Impacts
Contractor HEI Civil Carolina LLC began initial work in December 2025, with full improvements ongoing. Drivers should check DriveNC.gov for real-time updates, as U-turns may initially slow travel but boost long-term safety.
