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Published: 2009-07-09 11:02:00
Updated: 2009-07-09 18:51:19

Cary intersection to get traffic signals


Motorists say intersection is dangerous
Motorists say intersection is dangerous
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The town of Cary will install traffic signals at an intersection where a 16-year-old girl was killed last month.

The town said Thursday that the state Department of Transportation has authorized a plan to install lights and pedestrian features at Green Level to Durham Road and Cary Glen Boulevard.

A recent study found that the intersection met the DOT's criteria of a high volume of traffic or at least five wrecks in a 12-month period to warrant a light.

Hundreds of residents, concerned about heavy traffic and limited sight distance in the intersection, rallied for a stop light days after a June 22 wreck that killed Kailee Nicole Birdsong.

Another wreck happened at the intersection June 23 as a WRAL News photographer was filming there.

"We're thrilled. We can't believe they're doing it. It really shows that the Town of Cary is putting the people first, especially their youngest citizens," resident Dawn Cross said. "We’re so happy."

The town said in a news release that it hopes to have the signal up and running within 60 days.

“We believe the signal will be effective in addressing immediate concerns at this intersection, and we appreciate the state’s active support and participation,” Cary's engineering director, Tim Bailey, said.

Green Level to Durham Road and the Cary Glen intersection are owned and maintained by the state, which will install the lights. Cary will pay the estimated $60,000 for the traffic and pedestrian signals.

The town will also pay about $50,000 for a long-term corridor study in the area that will identify and prioritize safety and operational concerns. The study, which will likely begin later this year, will include public feedback.

“We’ve had quite a bit of input so far, and we’re hoping that those who live and work in the area will stay involved and participate in the decision-making process,” Bailey said.


51 Comments


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Latest Comments
I'm glad they're putting a light at this intersection to help avoid more accidents. NOW...what can be done to find the hit and run driver that hit Melissa Birdsong's SUV and caused this accident? I don't see anything being done about find him or her. PLEASE call the police if you know the driver of the beige van that caused this accident. If you are the driver, please do the honorable thing and come forward and turn yourself in. A child is gone and a woman is injured and out of work for months to come. A family is suffering and needs to get some closure. PLEASE help if you know something! Thank you.

People die at traffic lights too. Putting up a traffic signal doesn't mean no one will die. Were the previous accidents of a type that can be prevented by a traffic signal?

The wreck that WRAL filmed was caused by the driver not looking. The driver started moving forward when the other car was just maybe a hundred feet away. And the driver pulling out was driving an SUV, and should have been able to see a hundred feet just fine.

"avowed79013, I pay my dues to CAS just like you do. I refuse to use the tunnel, as some sketchy youths have been hanging out in it and I'd hate to get hooked up on assault charges."

The tunnel connected to the PUBLIC greenway under Green Level to Durham Road has no toll booth, and I don't pay dues to use it. Aside from inconsiderate dog owners, I have never had any encounters on any of the town's greenways.

avowed79013, I pay my dues to CAS just like you do. I refuse to use the tunnel, as some sketchy youths have been hanging out in it and I'd hate to get hooked up on assault charges.

Ax, you're wrong, jokes on you 'dult.

I get so angry at drivers who think turning right on red is a guaranteed right. It is a POSSIBILITY if conditions permit. DO NOT sit behind me honking your horn or trying to squeeze past me on the right because YOU want to get somewhere a nano-second sooner. Chill out, wait your turn, you will still get where your going.

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