Business 70 expansion plan could ease congestion on Clayton roads

Clayton’s population growth has been so steep, it’s overwhelming some of its infrastructure.

In 2023, more than 50,000 cars a day traveled through the intersection of US Business 70 and Shotwell Road.

Drivers talked about the headaches they face trying to get in and out of town. Fortunately, there’s a new plan to fix it.

It doesn’t matter what time of day you travel through the stoplights, the backups are constant. That’s why drivers say they can’t wait for this new project to start.

Charlene Melinsky, Driver “It’s terrible especially during rush hour like 6 p.m. You can’t get past here. It takes like 20 minutes to get through Clayton. It used to not be like that.”

New apartments and businesses have been rapidly popping up along the US 70 Business corridor for the last few years. The population growth is mostly welcomed in this area but the added traffic, not so much.

“It definitely takes up time,” said Frank McKiernan. “I’ve definitely been late a time or two because of that.”

Just last week, NCDOT approved a $3.7 million project to transform this intersection at Shotwell Road. Crews will add turn lanes throughout the intersection to help ease backups.

“Just adding those additional turn lanes will not only allow traffic to flow through that intersection faster but it will also be safer because people won’t be making rash decisions,” said NCDOT spokesperson Kiim Deaner.

Deaner said this project is just the first of what will likely be several projects throughout this part of Johnston County.

“We’re partnering with the Town of Clayton and Johnston County,” Deaner said. “We are aware of these future projects that need to be done and we are in the process of getting them funded because we know the growth isn’t going to stop in this area.”

NCDOT said its contractor should get started on this project this fall and have it wrapped up by the end of 2025.