July 20. By Dave Vieser. Improvements at the Bailey Road/Hwy. 115 intersection will not be done in time for the opening of school due to an NCDOT snafu. The problem was revealed at Monday’s July 19 Cornelius Town Board meeting by Assistant Town Manager Tyler Beardsley, as the town staff was presenting a transportation project status report to the town commissioners.

Apparently, NCDOT gave AT&T permission to work in the right-of-way while unaware this project was happening.

“We’re working with them trying to get the lines relocated, but unfortunately I believe this will delay us and we won’t be able to get this done by the opening of school which we were all shooting for,” Beardsley said.

Assuming no additional unforeseen delays, he anticipates the project’s completion by the end of September.

UPDATE: CMS classes start Aug. 25.

The improvements included the addition of dedicated northbound and southbound turn lanes on Hwy.115, both as well as dedicated turn lanes for westbound traffic on Bailey Road.

Construction began earlier this year.