THOMASVILLE – N.C. Department of
Transportation contract crews will begin installing concrete medians on U.S.
29/70/Interstate 85 Business, improving safety for drivers in Thomasville.
The work requires lane closures starting at 9 a.m. on
Monday, Feb. 12. Construction is expected to be completed by Friday, June 29.
“A 10-year crash study from 2004 to 2014 revealed
several ‘angle/crossing’ collisions and near-miss encounters, requiring the
Department to take action,” said Division 9 Board member Michael Wells Sr.
“Installing concrete medians in this area will control
turning movements at the intersections of Evans Road, Bud Kanoy Road, and Moose
Lodge Road, increasing safety for drivers,” said Division 9 Engineer Pat
Ivey.
The median will allow left turns from the
highway onto Evans Road, Bud Kanoy Road, and Moose Lodge Road, however from
Evans Road onto I-85 Business will be closed and permanently removed.
Regional Traffic Safety Engineer John Button said,
“Based on our experience with similar projects, we expect a 51% reduction in
total crashes by using directional medians that prohibit left turns from the
side streets.”
NCDOT reminds motorists to use extra
caution in the work zone, watch signs for construction information, stay alert
and obey the posted speed limit.
For real-time travel
information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on Twitter.
Contact: Miracle King
(336) 487-0157
miracleking@ncdot.gov