CAROLINA BEACH – N.C. Department of Transportation and the Town of Carolina Beach have received funding to create a sidewalk along U.S. 421 (Lake Park Boulevard) from north of Lake Drive to south of Carolina Sands Drive.
The new sidewalk will replace a defined path along the grass that pedestrians have been walking without existing pedestrian facilities. This project will provide a safer travel experience for those to reach their destination by further separating pedestrians from the roadway and providing a solid, level path.
In coordination with the Town of Carolina Beach, NCDOT utilized its small construction funding to contribute to this project, which will impact many residents and visitors of Carolina Beach by providing a safe walkway for pedestrians.
“On behalf of the citizens of Carolina Beach, I would like to thank the NCDOT for their continued partnership with us to improve pedestrian safety,” said Carolina Beach Mayor Lynn Barbee. “We are experiencing record visitors to our town, and through our synergy with DOT leadership, we can implement safety measures in a timely fashion.”
NCDOT encourages pedestrians to use sidewalks whenever they are available. If sidewalks are not present, pedestrians should follow these safety tips:
- If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
- Always remain alert. Don’t be distracted by electronic devices.
- Never assume a driver sees you. Create eye contact with the driver as they approach.
- Utilize cross streets at crosswalks or intersections whenever possible. If none are present, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Look for cars in all directions, then wait for a pause in traffic that creates enough time to cross safely. Be sure to continue watching traffic as you cross.
- Watch for cars exiting or entering driveways or backing up in parking lots.
A construction date for the project will be set in the near future.