Construction on the intersection of U.S. 72 and Wall Triana Highway will begin Tuesday, July 13, and the project is expected to last until Oct. 10.

According to a capital improvement program description through the city’s engineering department, the average traffic volume has exceeded the capacity of the intersection and accidents have increased, especially with service vehicles attempting to access local businesses.

Madison Police Lt. Steve Wilkerson said the department typically sees a higher rate of accidents at the intersection, and he expects the construction will alleviate many of the problems.

“That’s one of our hotspots in the city,” Wilkerson said.

The project is expected to widen Wall Triana from Gooch Lane through U.S. 72 to North City Limits. It will provide additional lanes to receive two southbound left turn lanes from U.S. 72, and provide two left turn lanes from Wall Triana eastbound to U.S. 72.

This is expected to provide adequate stacking capacity for vehicles between signal cycles.

Construction zone speed limits will be in effect, and fines will be doubled when workers are present.

Wilkerson said the Madison Police will have increased presence in the area to ensure motorists obey the posted speed limit.

“We ask that the motoring public really pay attention in that area,” Wilkerson said. “Just bear with us for a few months, and you’ll see that it will pay off in the long run.”