ROANOKE RAPIDS – A Halifax County intersection will convert to an all-way stop on Wednesday to reduce the risk of crashes.
The change will occur at N.C. 43/N.C. 561 and Evans Road, southwest of Roanoke Rapids. Currently, drivers on Evans Road must stop, while those traveling on the state highway route do not have to stop.
An engineering analysis that included crash history and traffic volumes showed the change at this intersection was warranted and would improve traffic safety.
Flag operators for the N.C. Department of Transportation will manage the traffic flow through the intersection while the change is made beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. The date of the change is weather-dependent because workers cannot stripe the pavement to accompany the additional stop signs in the rain.
Warning signs of the coming change already have been posted near the intersection. As a reminder, drivers approaching an all-way stop should follow these rules:
- The first vehicle at the intersection has the right of way;
- When two or more vehicles reach an intersection at the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right of way and may go straight or, if legal and after signaling, turn left or right;
- When two facing vehicles approach an intersection simultaneously, both drivers can move straight ahead or turn right. If one driver is going straight while the other wants to turn left, the driver who wants to turn left must yield; and
- Even with the right of way, drivers should remember to use appropriate turn signals and watch for pedestrians and other vehicles.