Blythe Development, the contractor for the overall 1.8-mile project that includes improvements to N.C. 73 as well as lane additions and alterations at the N.C. 115 and U.S. 21 intersections, was contracted to complete all phases of the work this year, but fell short of its Dec. 3 deadline. State restrictions on paving and other road-related projects have kicked in for the cold-weather months and last week, company officials met with representatives from the North Carolina Department of Transportation and Huntersville to provide an update of their renewed schedule.

Max Buchanan, Huntersville's director of public works, said Blythe plans to continue work on a scaled-back basis through the winter with intentions to wrap up all phases of construction by the end of April 2012.

"They want to finish as soon as they can in April," Buchanan said. "They will do what they can through the winter, but as far as the finish paving and the road markings, they can't do anything until mid-March."

Buchanan said traffic along N.C. 73 may be re-directed in January so crews can concentrate work on specific sections of the project, but that the major changes at the U.S. 21 intersection — which will feature no left turns off N.C. 73 — will not be implemented until at least late March.

The new approach to negotiating the intersection is the most noteworthy change related to the road project. The interchange's proximity to Interstate 77 is the primary reason for the adjustment, which will require N.C. 73 motorists accessing U.S. 21 to complete a few extra maneuvers.

Buchanan said the DOT will launch an information campaign in the weeks leading up to the rule changes at the intersection.

"This will be something new and the state is already putting together a plan to make sure drivers around here know what's coming," Buchanan said. "It's designed to make traffic flow better, but it will be something folks will have to get used to."

As far as Blythe's dealings with the DOT after failing to meet the deadline, Buchanan said it is not an unusual situation and the issue is usually dealt with in communications between the two parties.

"I suspect the contractor will ask for an extension citing some delays related to weather and utility line relocations," Buchanan said, "and the state will decide to grant the extension or incorporate some type of reduction in the final contract amount."

The original contract awarded to Blythe empowered the DOT to fine the contractor up to $5,000 for each day work continues beyond the deadline.