ASHEBORO – A proposed project to improve traffic flow and safety along a half-mile stretch of N.C. 42 in Randolph County will be the subject of a public meeting Jan. 17.
The city of Asheboro and the Piedmont Triad Rural Planning Organization submitted the proposed project for improving the highway between Dixie Drive (U.S. 64/N.C. 49) and East Salisbury Street. The proposal was scored on such criteria as traffic volume and crash data and received funding in the State Transportation Improvement Program. Construction is slated to begin in 2020.
The project also includes:
- Realigning where Dublin Square Road and Thomas Street meet at N.C. 42 into separate intersections with N.C. 42;
- Adding a traffic signal at N.C. 42 and Dublin Road; and
- Changing how the intersection of N.C. 42 and Salisbury Street functions. Now, Salisbury Street is the main-through movement in this intersection, which has a traffic signal. NCDOT would make N.C. 42 the main-through movement as this road has more traffic on it.
Overall, the changes would make it easier for drivers to enter N.C. 42 from side roads and turn left off N.C. 42. An open center turn lane would reduce the risk of rear-end collisions with vehicles slowing to turn left.
In a five-year study through last year, there were 148 crashes in the corridor to be improved. About 60 percent involved rear-end collisions or vehicles turning left.
People may attend the drop-in style meeting from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, at Lindley Park Elementary School, 312 Cliff Road in Asheboro. At the meeting, people may look at the design maps, get their questions answered and provide NCDOT with feedback.
The deadline to submit comments is Feb. 1. To send a comment or seek additional information, contact Jeffery Teague, the department’s Division 8 project manager, at 121 DOT Drive, Carthage N.C., 28327; jlteague@ncdot.gov; or 910-773-8025
NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in this meeting. Anyone requiring special services should contact Caitlyn Ridge at ceridge1@ncdot.gov or 919-707-6091 as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.
People who do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior to the meeting by calling 1-800-481-6494.