North Carolina

[jdunlop]

On the flashing red signals, it's a good idea to have signs for awareness.

Kind of like "Left turn must yield on solid green" or "U-turn must yield to right turn"
These signs are only at some intersections, but should be at all.

The best solution is to hook up traffic signals to generators but I guess that would cost to much money.

I wonder if there has been a feasibility study on this?

These intersections have traffic lights for a reason!

The flashing red is only if the signal malfunctions, which is relatively rare; the most common occurrence is probably restarting after a power outage.  Not going to put 10,000 intersections' worth of signs for this very infrequent situation.

The yield on green ball signs are going away with the flashing yellow installations, not that they were frequently needed, either.  The U-turn yields to right turn signs are needed to resolve a conflict; I agree that they are needed at all such conflicts, but will take time for that.  (I've noticed while driving in other states that North Carolina is probably the most aggressive in signaling the right turn movement as an overlap, which creates the conflict.). Fortunately, it hasn't created too many crashes, nor does the yield usually create a capacity problem (U-turn blocking the lefts.)

Generators have become more frequently available for long-term outages as municipalities stockpile them; they weren't a reasonable option say 15 or so years ago.  But still only a relative handful compared to the number of intersections.  For most intersections, portable stop signs (conversion to all-way stop condition) is sufficient.  During Hurricane Florence (IIRC), Wilmington installed what we believe was the first temporary roundabout at one of their major intersection.  That was quickly expanded to other (limited) locations, and is now in the tool box for long-term outages.

[PColumbus73]

On the flashing red signals, it's a good idea to have signs for awareness.

Kind of like "Left turn must yield on solid green" or "U-turn must yield to right turn"
These signs are only at some intersections, but should be at all.

The best solution is to hook up traffic signals to generators but I guess that would cost to much money.

I wonder if there has been a feasibility study on this?

These intersections have traffic lights for a reason!

The flashing red is only if the signal malfunctions, which is relatively rare; the most common occurrence is probably restarting after a power outage.  Not going to put 10,000 intersections' worth of signs for this very infrequent situation.

The yield on green ball signs are going away with the flashing yellow installations, not that they were frequently needed, either.  The U-turn yields to right turn signs are needed to resolve a conflict; I agree that they are needed at all such conflicts, but will take time for that.  (I've noticed while driving in other states that North Carolina is probably the most aggressive in signaling the right turn movement as an overlap, which creates the conflict.). Fortunately, it hasn't created too many crashes, nor does the yield usually create a capacity problem (U-turn blocking the lefts.)

Generators have become more frequently available for long-term outages as municipalities stockpile them; they weren't a reasonable option say 15 or so years ago.  But still only a relative handful compared to the number of intersections.  For most intersections, portable stop signs (conversion to all-way stop condition) is sufficient.  During Hurricane Florence (IIRC), Wilmington installed what we believe was the first temporary roundabout at one of their major intersection.  That was quickly expanded to other (limited) locations, and is now in the tool box for long-term outages.

I think such a sign would be better as a VMS message, or some other safety campaign ad or billboard. Perhaps the latter two would work better than signing every intersection.

[Mergingtraffic]

Maybe I'll have better luck here, I'll be driving through NC soon. I'm looking to get pics of temp freeway stubs, or completed or almost completed roads not open yet or signs with blank spaces for future interstates.

I'll be driving through from northeast to ATL.

[snowc]

About a month ago, NC DOT announced that they would be changing traffic signal programming throughout the state to default to flashing red in all directions during signal issues (power outage, equipment failure, etc). I couldn't find anything yet posted about this decision, and I want to know yall's thoughts.

Personally, while i understand the motivation here is for the safest possible scenario, i don't think it is going to have the effect the NC DOT is anticipating.

There are many intersections where this should definitely be implemented. It is theoretically the safest option during signal issues. However, there are countless major intersections (Capital Blvd or Glenwood Ave come to mind), where traffic volume is consistently high enough that this will likely cause more chaos than it prevents.

Imagine trying to go from central Raleigh to RDU via Glenwood Ave, with every single stoplight as an all-way stop. Even during off-peak times, it would create an absolute slog, with every signalized intersection now a guessing game on who's turn it is to go from all the multi-lane sides.

That doesn't even take into account the drivers that will just ignore or misunderstand the new rules. Today i encountered this situation for the first time, at a medium sized intersection in Pinehurst (3-way, two through lanes each direction, with turn lanes). I saw 4 cars roll right through the flashing red, with one making no indication of stopping. The other three slowed down, then rolled on through.

So what do y'all think? Good idea or nah?

Like this traffic signal?

[snowc]

About a month ago, NC DOT announced that they would be changing traffic signal programming throughout the state to default to flashing red in all directions during signal issues (power outage, equipment failure, etc). I couldn't find anything yet posted about this decision, and I want to know yall's thoughts.

Personally, while i understand the motivation here is for the safest possible scenario, i don't think it is going to have the effect the NC DOT is anticipating.

There are many intersections where this should definitely be implemented. It is theoretically the safest option during signal issues. However, there are countless major intersections (Capital Blvd or Glenwood Ave come to mind), where traffic volume is consistently high enough that this will likely cause more chaos than it prevents.

Imagine trying to go from central Raleigh to RDU via Glenwood Ave, with every single stoplight as an all-way stop. Even during off-peak times, it would create an absolute slog, with every signalized intersection now a guessing game on who's turn it is to go from all the multi-lane sides.

That doesn't even take into account the drivers that will just ignore or misunderstand the new rules. Today i encountered this situation for the first time, at a medium sized intersection in Pinehurst (3-way, two through lanes each direction, with turn lanes). I saw 4 cars roll right through the flashing red, with one making no indication of stopping. The other three slowed down, then rolled on through.

So what do y'all think? Good idea or nah?

Like this traffic signal?

or even this traffic signal where the poles are attached to a battery backup?

[architect77]

Maybe I'll have better luck here, I'll be driving through NC soon. I'm looking to get pics of temp freeway stubs, or completed or almost completed roads not open yet or signs with blank spaces for future interstates.

I'll be driving through from northeast to ATL.

I assume you will traverse NC using I-85. The state prioritized it over the last 25 years as it's the most used by residents pay gas taxes their entire lives. It's quite nice especially through Salisbury to Charlotte. If you have the time, turn around and experience I-85 Northbound from Charlotte to Salisbury.---The graceful inclines, nicely-built interchanges, 8-lanes and decent signage all together are perfection. One of the East Coast's finest.

[Mapmikey]

NC 159 is being shortened/rerouted to the US 64 bypass interchange at Zoo Connector
https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/gisdot/DOTDELetters/2024/05_May/Div08/HTO_076_05-24.pdf

The change to delete US 1A through Franklinton that was in a recent AASHTO meeting also has gone through

[74/171FAN]

NC 159 was still posted from US 64 BUS/NC 49 as of June 15th. (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10220469351844336&set=a.10220469367924738)

[CanesFan27]

Maybe I'll have better luck here, I'll be driving through NC soon. I'm looking to get pics of temp freeway stubs, or completed or almost completed roads not open yet or signs with blank spaces for future interstates.

I'll be driving through from northeast to ATL.

Can't think of any "spots reserved for interstate shields" you'll find more empty spaces due to removed/relocated routes.  Most of the time the signs just get an overlay here  - 840 being added to 785 being an odd exception.

As for the nearly completed but not open freeway - just spend time in Raleigh or Winston.

As for stubs - check with Bob's work on the latest. 

[CanesFan27]

It's not only Interstates that we are aggressively expanding.

North Carolina has had a busy 18 months on the rails. Additional services, funding for rail expansion, and the battle between Norfolk Southern and the City of Charlotte is almost resolved.

Read More

https://www.gribblenation.org/2024/07/north-carolina-continues-to-move.html

[froggie]

^ Nice add of the Can Opener...

[CanesFan27]

^ Nice add of the Can Opener...

...and reuseable too.

[Love2drive]

Question for the board.  Why aren't there lane restrictions on tractor-trailers on Interstate 85 between Charlotte and the 85/285 split like they are on 40/85?   I've driven that stretch a few times this week, and have been frustrated by the big rigs slogging down the left lanes.  A few times yesterday they were 4 wide for a period. 

[sprjus4]

Question for the board.  Why aren't there lane restrictions on tractor-trailers on Interstate 85 between Charlotte and the 85/285 split like they are on 40/85?   I've driven that stretch a few times this week, and have been frustrated by the big rigs slogging down the left lanes.  A few times yesterday they were 4 wide for a period. 

Given North Carolina is one of the few states that still doesn't require the left lane be reserved for passing only, it doesn't surprise me honestly.

Trucks should be banned in the left lane of any freeway with 3 or more lanes in either direction - urban or rural area.

[Katavia]

Question for the board.  Why aren't there lane restrictions on tractor-trailers on Interstate 85 between Charlotte and the 85/285 split like they are on 40/85?  I've driven that stretch a few times this week, and have been frustrated by the big rigs slogging down the left lanes.  A few times yesterday they were 4 wide for a period. 

Not sure. That section was not 4-laned until recently.

The truck restriction signs I have seen on I-85 in Mecklenburg County, and a few other "NO TRUCKS IN LEFT X LANES" restrictions (85-40 being among them), have almost always* listed NCGA statute sections on said signs, so I think it would be a case of having to pass an amendment to the truck restriction list via legislation. Not certain, though.

Edit: I was mistaken in this assumption, see this post by MapMikey. Whoops.

_{* - most of the time}

[wriddle082]

Question for the board.  Why aren't there lane restrictions on tractor-trailers on Interstate 85 between Charlotte and the 85/285 split like they are on 40/85?   I've driven that stretch a few times this week, and have been frustrated by the big rigs slogging down the left lanes.  A few times yesterday they were 4 wide for a period. 

Given North Carolina is one of the few states that still doesn't require the left lane be reserved for passing only, it doesn't surprise me honestly.

Trucks should be banned in the left lane of any freeway with 3 or more lanes in either direction - urban or rural area.

NC is generally bad with left lane bandits in general, especially along I-77 north of Charlotte.  During my numerous recent trips up to Ohio for work, there have been many instances of cars with NC plates going the speed limit in the left lane and not getting over when approached.

NC seems to have turned into the South's version of OH with regards to annoying driving habits.  And apparently the legislature doesn't seem to care enough to pass any laws associated with making the left lane for passing only.

[Mapmikey]

Question for the board.  Why aren't there lane restrictions on tractor-trailers on Interstate 85 between Charlotte and the 85/285 split like they are on 40/85?   I've driven that stretch a few times this week, and have been frustrated by the big rigs slogging down the left lanes.  A few times yesterday they were 4 wide for a period. 

Not sure. That section was not 4-laned until recently.

The truck restriction signs I have seen on I-85 in Mecklenburg County, and a few other "NO TRUCKS IN LEFT X LANES" restrictions (85-40 being among them), have almost always* listed NCGA statute sections on said signs, so I think it would be a case of having to pass an amendment to the truck restriction list via legislation. Not certain, though.

_{* - most of the time}

State law gives NCDOT the authority to enact this type of restriction.  See pg. 4 at https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Crash%20Data%20and%20TEAAS%20System/Chapter_09_Vehicle_Routes_and_Restrictions.pdf

NCDOT does not have a blanket rule regarding 6+ lanes getting a lane restriction for trucks.  This short 2009 document discusses their policy, which is based on evaluations of safety on any given stretch of highway: https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Teppl/TEPPL%20All%20Documents%20Library/T39_TLR_Info.pdf

[Katavia]

State law gives NCDOT the authority to enact this type of restriction.

Ah. Guess I was mistaken. I had seen the statute code in the corner of those truck restriction signs a number of times from the back seat when I was younger, maybe I misremembered a code change at some point and from that I made the assumption it was strictly a legislative thing. Whoops.

[fillup420]

Question for the board.  Why aren't there lane restrictions on tractor-trailers on Interstate 85 between Charlotte and the 85/285 split like they are on 40/85?  I've driven that stretch a few times this week, and have been frustrated by the big rigs slogging down the left lanes.  A few times yesterday they were 4 wide for a period. 

No one enforces the restrictions on 40/85, so really why bother putting up the signs?

[sprjus4]

Question for the board.  Why aren't there lane restrictions on tractor-trailers on Interstate 85 between Charlotte and the 85/285 split like they are on 40/85?  I've driven that stretch a few times this week, and have been frustrated by the big rigs slogging down the left lanes.  A few times yesterday they were 4 wide for a period. 

No one enforces the restrictions on 40/85, so really why bother putting up the signs?

It may discourage some trucks from going for the left lane. Just because you see trucks disobeying it, there are also a number of trucks that are abiding by it.

[bluecountry]

Does the state have plans to extend the Chesapeake Expressway, Route 168, bypass into NC?

[sprjus4]

Does the state have plans to extend the Chesapeake Expressway, Route 168, bypass into NC?

A bypass was in the county's long range plans, beginning at the state line and connecting to US-158 to the west, but there's been no real push to actually get it built. It is desperately needed though, especially during summer weekends, when traffic through Moyock gets heavy quick.

The city of Chesapeake does not have any plans to upgrade the last 2 miles of VA-168 on the Virginia side of the line, though. Two signalized intersections remain there.

[bob7374]

It appears the folks posting press releases for NCDOT are having a bad day. First there's this headline:
"Public Meeting for Greenway Extenstion in Asheville"

Then there's this traffic advisory:
"I-74 WEST CLOSED NEAR SOUTH CAROLINA STATE LINE

All lanes of I-74 West are closed at Exit 194, US 74 Alternate, due to a crash. The road is expected to reopen by 2:30 PM.

Detour: Motorists take Exit 194 then left onto US 74 Alternate West to re-access I-74."

I didn't know that I-74 had made it to SC yet, or that Maxton was on the SC border.

[PColumbus73]

It appears the folks posting press releases for NCDOT are having a bad day. First there's this headline:
"Public Meeting for Greenway Extenstion in Asheville"

Then there's this traffic advisory:
"I-74 WEST CLOSED NEAR SOUTH CAROLINA STATE LINE

All lanes of I-74 West are closed at Exit 194, US 74 Alternate, due to a crash. The road is expected to reopen by 2:30 PM.

Detour: Motorists take Exit 194 then left onto US 74 Alternate West to re-access I-74."

I didn't know that I-74 had made it to SC yet, or that Maxton was on the SC border.

Maxton is about 10 miles from the state line, once I-74 hooks up with US 74, it's essentially parallel to the NC/SC state line until Chadbourn.

[sprjus4]

It appears the folks posting press releases for NCDOT are having a bad day. First there's this headline:
"Public Meeting for Greenway Extenstion in Asheville"

Then there's this traffic advisory:
"I-74 WEST CLOSED NEAR SOUTH CAROLINA STATE LINE

All lanes of I-74 West are closed at Exit 194, US 74 Alternate, due to a crash. The road is expected to reopen by 2:30 PM.

Detour: Motorists take Exit 194 then left onto US 74 Alternate West to re-access I-74."

I didn't know that I-74 had made it to SC yet, or that Maxton was on the SC border.

I-74 runs nearly parallel to the SC line... I'd say it's pretty accurate. It's specifying it's there as opposed to say, at I-77 near the Virginia line, or in Winston-Salem.