The Speckled Paw Times, having received several letters about the intersection of N.C. 24/27 and N.C. 73 – the one near the bridges between Mt. Gilead and Albemarle – recently asked NCDOT about the ongoing construction project there and the future of that intersection. Here are the answers we received from Christopher Fine, resident engineer, Division 10, District 1, Construction Office.
Q: Some people have written to say that particular intersection has always been dangerous, even before the widening and bridge project. Do the statistics support that belief?
A: We’ve attached two crash data reports – one in the nearly five years leading up to construction, and since construction started in January. (Editor’s note: Those reports can be seen here and here.)
Q: Does NCDOT consider that intersection, as it currently exists during construction, particularly dangerous? Is so, what in the minds of experts makes it particularly dangerous?
A: Our project team is doing everything possible to create a safe area for the work that must be performed here, and for the drivers that pass through. Due to lack of space and the proximity of the bridges, the left turn lane from N.C. 24/27 to N.C. 73 was removed. We’re also working to adjust the placement of traffic control devices to improve sight distance.
Q: Is there any way, and are there any plans, to improve sight lines at the intersection while the project is ongoing?
A: We’ve made multiple adjustments to improve safety and sight distance at this intersection as work continues.
Q: Rumor has it that the intersection will eventually be right-turn-only for folks approaching via N.C. 73. Is that true? If true, what safety concerns does right-turn-only address? Also, where exactly will drivers be able to make a U-turn to head west on N.C. 24/27?
A: Yes, this is correct – we will be implementing what’s called a “reduced conflict intersection,” which is exactly what it states. We will be reducing the conflict points, or potential locations, where vehicles can crash. This design significantly reduces severe crashes, reduces travel times, and keeps traffic flowing. Under this design, traffic on N.C. 73 would be restricted to right turns. Drivers wanting to head west on N.C. 24/27 would use a dedicated area to make a U-turn, about 1,200 feet from the N.C. 73 intersection.
Q: There used to be a merge lane for traffic exiting N.C. 24/27 onto N.C. 73, headed south. It’s been removed for the project. Why was it removed? Will it be restored as part of the project?
A: Prior to construction, the intersection had islands to keep the traffic directions separated and provided better delineation for northbound traffic on N.C. 73, as well as with the slip ramp tie to southbound N.C. 73. Once the islands were removed and traffic was shifted to a temporary pattern, the slip ramp did not line up well with the new northbound lane. For safety reasons, the decision was made to close the ramp and have traffic go through the new temporary ‘T’ intersection.
The ramp from NC 24/27 to N.C. 73 has been permanently closed. The intersection will remain in its current pattern until the final pattern is established with the N.C. 24/27 widening project, which is expected to begin in November 2019. In the final pattern, eastbound N.C. 24/27 traffic will have a dedicated right turn lane onto N.C. 73 South.
Q: One reader said there’s currently a sign that says “Advisory Speed of 45 mph” and wonders why there’s not a sign declaring a “work zone” with an official 45 mph speed limit. Any thoughts on that and the speed of traffic workers currently encounter?
A: The project does not meet the criteria for an ordinanced speed limit reduction. Most ordinanced speed reductions occur on interstates or other higher speed, controlled access facilities. The temporary alignment is not designed at the statutory speed limit of 55 mph, so advisory speed signage is provided.