Garner Opens New Slip Lane, Eases Traffic at White Oak Roundabout

The Town of Garner moved a step forward in a multi phase traffic improvement effort when it opened a new slip lane at the White Oak roundabout on November 10, 2025. The change is intended to ease congestion and improve circulation where White Oak intersects with Hebron Church and Ackerman, a corridor used by commuters, school buses and local businesses.

Town officials announced the slip lane was operational while noting that adjacent roadside work would continue. The project will also include future street lighting and other finishing elements. Local reporting on November 12 summarized the same operational change and advised drivers to expect continuing work along the corridor as crews complete final tasks.

A slip lane allows vehicles to exit a main flow onto a different roadway without entering the central roundabout, which can reduce backups and shorten queues during peak periods. For residents of Garner, the immediate effects are likely to be shorter travel times at the intersection and smoother movement for vehicles turning from the primary roadway. At the same time, the presence of ongoing construction activity means motorists should remain vigilant for lane shifts, temporary signage and reduced speed limits while crews finish roadside work and install lighting.

The opening is part of broader phases associated with the White Oak roundabout project, a local effort to balance traffic efficiency with safety. Roundabouts and complementary treatments such as slip lanes are increasingly used in communities worldwide to reduce severe collisions and improve traffic flow, though they require careful design to protect pedestrians and cyclists. In Garner, final elements like lighting will be important for nighttime safety and for making crosswalks and roadside environments more visible to drivers.

Local businesses along the corridor may see gradual changes in access as work wraps up and patterns of vehicle movement settle. Emergency responders and school transportation planners will also monitor the intersection as peak travel patterns adjust, and residents should allow extra time during the transition period.

Motorists are advised to follow posted construction guidance and plan for intermittent disruptions as finishing work continues. The Town of Garner and local media outlets provided the initial updates, and residents seeking the most current information should consult town communications for any announcements about completion dates or further lane changes.