Rolesville, N.C. — Rolesville leaders say the construction of a bypass on U.S. Highway 401, a two-lane road that is the primary artery through the city, will help ease traffic woes.

“It will stop some 20,000 cars a day from coming through it,” Mayor Frank Eagles said.

Eagles said the city is growing fast. In 2008, the population was 2,844, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The number is a significant increase from 907 people in 2000.

With about 4,000 more homes in the planning stages, Eagles said he would like to see the bypass built soon.

“My word is the faster, the better,” Eagles said.

Construction is set to begin early next year and could take up to four years.

North Carolina Department of Transportation officials said it will cost about $45 million to buy up property and build the bypass. Federal money will be used.

“We plan to go to construction pretty soon. We are buying right of way right now,” NCDOT Division Engineer Wally Bowman said.

Kenny Jones’ family property is being paved over to create the bypass. His family has owned the land for 100 years, but even he wants the bypass to be built soon.

“For me to get from my house to Raleigh, it takes me 45 minutes and makes me late with traffic and accidents and stuff. I am all for it,” Jones said.