DOT Lacks Funds To Fix Dangerous Intersections

Posted 7:54 a.m. Jul 4, 2001 — Updated 7:54 a.m. Jul 4, 2001

RALEIGH — The

state Department of Transportation

has pinpointed dozens of intersections in the Triangle area that it says are dangerous. The big problem is finding the money to fix them.

The DOT plans to spend $33,000 to improve safety on U.S. Highway 64 and Marks Creek Road near Knightdale. Two women lost their lives last week when they pulled out in front of a pickup truck.

DOT crews will build a concrete median that prevents traffic from turning left or driving straight across Marks Creek Road.

The intersection is one of 20 projects that are already funded, but there are 48 more in the Triangle that the Department does not have the money to pay for.

Some of the "unfunded" projects the DOT considers most important are:

U.S. Highway 401 and Donnybrook Road, where there have been 20 car accidents since 1998.

Trailwood Drive at Thistlewood Drive in Raleigh, the site of seven accidents.

U.S. Highway 64 and Kelly Road in Wake County, where there have been 16 accidents since 1997.

Jones Franklin Road and Dillard Drive, the site of ten acccidents in three years.

The intersection of Poole Road and Hickory Hollow Lane, the scene of seven accidents since 1997.

The Department of Transportation has $9 million it can spend statewide to make the safety improvements, but the Triangle's wish list tops $2 million. DOT officials say it has to wait for money to become available.

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