New Intersection Aims To Help Raleigh Traffic

Department Of Transportation engineers say it allows more green light time for more lanes of traffic.

After a week in service, what do drivers think?

"It's very simple, you don't have but one choice, there's one light. (At first I was a little worried) because it was new," says motorist Dana McBrayer.

There is also something new for the folks at Taylor's Store.

"Since the intersection has opened, there's been no back-ups, traffic flows great, and we haven't seen any accidents. We used to get several a week here right in front of the store or at the stoplight, so it's working out real well," says store owner Taylor Cash.

Raleigh's next single-point urban interchange will be where 540 will pass underneath Falls of Neuse Road, and should be ready in about a year.

Some people think the new intersection puts Raleigh on the map with some bigger cities.

"I'm from Houston, and we have intersections like that all the time. It helps the flow of traffic and also helps you get where you're going a whole lot faster," says Willie Larry.

At $5 million per intersection, the price tag may slow some people down. But the DOT says over time, drivers will think it is worth it.

Some drivers say the new interchange still has not been tested yet. Traffic counts have been down during the Fourth of July holiday week.