SMITHFIELD – State highway crews are doing emergency repairs tonight to a traffic signal that was heavily damaged at a Johnston County crossroads after a vehicle hit-and-run crash.
A vehicle, likely a dump truck with its box or bed in the upright position, took down wires suspending a traffic signal at Swift Creek Road and U.S. 70 Business outside Smithfield. The driver left the scene without stopping at around 6 p.m. Thursday, and the N.C. Highway Patrol is investigating.
In the meantime, fire responders, including local firefighters, helped control traffic at this intersection, because the traffic signal was no longer working. At around 9 p.m. Thursday, crews with the N.C. Department of Transportation used barricades to close Swift Creek Road at this intersection for safety.
NCDOT technicians will work throughout tonight and into Friday morning to restore service to the traffic signal. However, they must keep one lane closed in each direction on U.S. 70 Business at this location until the repairs are made by Friday afternoon, weather permitting.
Drivers can expect delays going through this intersection during Friday's commute.