The $6 million Clayton Community Center should open before the end of the year, according to Town Manager Steve Biggs.

The opening of the center, located at the intersection of Amelia Church Road and Shotwell Road, has been delayed because of concerns about the potentially dangerous intersection.

"It's jammed in the morning and it's jammed in the afternoon," said Phil Parker, who lives nearby.

It can be so difficult to get through the intersection, that Parker and his wife Patricia do everything they can to avoid it.

"The traffic on Amelia Church Road is too fast. People pay the speed limit sign no attention at all," said Patricia Parker.

Plans to install turn lanes and a light fell through earlier this year, according Biggs. A company that built homes in the area had promised to pay for the improvements. But because of the economic downturn, that hasn't happened, Biggs said.

Now, the town plans to pay about $300,000 for the turn lanes and light.

"We realize that safety is the most important thing. And so we've stepped forward to complete the project," Biggs said.

The developer will have to reimburse the town at some point, Biggs said.

The work should be complete in November, Biggs said. And the community center should open shortly thereafter. The town has a wide range of activities planned, including art classes, computer classes, and movies.

"I'm hopeful. Tired of waiting, but hopeful," Parker said.