DOT OKs traffic light for troublesome Holly Springs intersection

South Main Street was extended to alleviate traffic congestion, but it has caused a spike in traffic where the street now crosses Ralph Stephens Road. Some drivers are missing the new two-way stop sign on Ralph Stephens Road and are getting hit by or slamming into vehicles driving on Main Street.

The DOT initially denied a traffic signal at the intersection, saying data of traffic in the area didn't meet the threshold for a signal. But Holly Springs officials on Monday submitted information about the crashes, some of which occurred after rumble strips, pavement markings and warning signs about the new two-way stop had been posted.

"We are glad the department and the town could work quickly together to come up with a solution to improve the safety for drivers and their passengers at that intersection," DOT engineer Joey Hopkins said in a statement.

Susan Miller was involved in a crash at the intersection the day after the road opened.

"They could see that their plans, they were just wrong," Miller said. "It was not done right. It was not done right. So, thankfully they are doing the right thing."

Holly Springs and DOT officials have fast-tracked installation by initially using wooden poles for the traffic lights instead of custom metal ones. The move could have a light in operation in less than two months instead of the usual six to nine months, they said.

"Safety is our overriding concern," Town Manager Chuck Simmons said in a statement.