NCDOT Warns of Traffic Delays as Pedestrian Work Continues on Highway 54

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is cautioning motorists to be aware of potential traffic delays along North Carolina Highway 54. The delays come as the NCDOT works with a contractor to install pedestrian infrastructure at three key intersections along the highway.

As was first reported in January, crosswalks with traffic signals will be installed at the intersections with the Kingswood Apartments complex in Chapel Hill, Abbey Road in Carrboro and Westbrook Drive in Carrboro. This week, a spokesman for the NCDOT says crews are working to install an underground conduit for upcoming signal work and other pedestrian crossing items.

The spokesman told Chapelboro the contractor is allowed to work on all three intersections at once, and that the work is expected to last until December. The NCDOT website says work will be done between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily with lane closures installed. Expected traffic impact is classified as “medium,” and the spokesman said there is no specific timetable for when any of the intersections will be finished.

While work is ongoing, the NCDOT is asking motorists to be aware of their speed through the active work zone and to pay attention to signs. Workers will be present on each side of the road, so lane closures may vary from day to day. In the event of lane closures, motorists are encouraged to merge early and not wait until the last minute.

The new crossings are located near Chapel Hill Transit stops. A 2019 study by the NCDOT called for these improvements and was endorsed by both towns. Since the study, serious collisions have occurred at two of the aforementioned intersections. In May of 2023, a vehicle struck and killed a motorcyclist near the Abbey Lane intersection, resulting in the driver being charged with a misdemeanor. Later that year, a vehicle struck and seriously injured a pedestrian near the Kingswood Apartments.

Featured image via Town of Chapel Hill

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