CHARLOTTE – N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews will be shifting traffic on Friday morning to a new pattern at N.C. 16 and Mount Holly-Huntersville Road in west Charlotte as part of a $7.2 million contract to build the state’s first continuous flow intersection, or CFI.
This video is an example of how the CFI works. The design improves traffic flow and increases the efficiency of an intersection because left-turning traffic is separated from the main traffic flow. The design reduces travel time for the main route.
Friday's new traffic pattern will affect commuters using N.C. 16 in both directions who want to turn left onto Mount Holly-Huntersville Road. Drivers will enter the left turn lane and come to a traffic signal about 500 feet from the intersection. Once it turns green, drivers will cross the opposing lanes of N.C. 16 before arriving at a second traffic signal to continue left.
Electronic message boards and additional signage will be in place to alert drivers of the change. NCDOT staff and law enforcement will also be present to monitor the transition to the new pattern.