Cary intersection to get traffic signals

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

Posted 3:02 p.m. Jul 9, 2009 — Updated 10:51 p.m. Jul 9, 2009

CARY, N.C. — 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.

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