To avoid traffic, Forsyth County motorists are encouraged to find alternate routes to Castleberry and Bethelview roads.

Two projects — one county and the other state — are causing traffic delays in the area.

The Bethelview project began Sept. 6, with Department of Transportation contractor C.W. Matthews shifting all four legs of the crossing so work can occur in the original lanes.

Roadwork begins a quarter mile north of Hwy. 9 to Castleberry Road, widening it from one lane in each direction to two lanes with turn lanes and sidewalks.

Teri Pope, department spokeswoman, said “the project will improve the efficiency of the intersection, moving more vehicles through in the same amount of time.”

“New dual left-turn lanes and a new right-turn lane will get motorists turning out of the through lane so through traffic can continue straight,” she said.

The $4.4 million project, which spans about a half mile, is slated to be completed by July.

While the Bethelview roadwork will be ongoing, the repaving of Castleberry is expected to last just a few more days.

Jodi Gardner, county spokeswoman, said the project is a “road reclamation project, covering 1.6 miles from Bethelview Road to Hwy. 9.”

Funding for the nearly $676,300 project is coming from the sixth round of the special purpose local option sales tax.

Blount Construction Company is handling the project, which Gardner said should be completed by this week, weather permitting.

“Motorists can expect lane closures during the day, but traffic will be maintained,” she said. “… We appreciate motorists’ patience while this work is being completed.”

Pope noted that fines are doubled in work zones, where most crashes occur when crews aren’t working.

“Things change daily in a work zone. There are barrels, signs and equipment all over and traffic shifts occur frequently,” she said. “Please don’t get complacent. Slow down, don’t text and pay attention as you travel through this, and every work zone.”