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Intersection Illumination Program Amendment
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INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bjorn E. Hansen, Planning Department, Senior Planner- Long Range Planning, 704-283-3690
ACTION REQUESTED:
Amend the Intersection List.
PRIOR BOARD ACTIONS:
None.
BACKGROUND:
The Board of Commissioners approved funding intersection illumination at selected intersections in 2023 to address nighttime roadway safety. Union County planning staff have coordinated with the NCDOT, Union Power, and Duke Energy on the designs and encroachment permits for these lights, with Union County responsible for ongoing utility costs for non-roundabout intersections. The NCDOT is implementing a policy to illuminate roundabouts, so they would pay the ongoing cost at these locations.
To date, three of the intersections have been illuminated, with several additional ones anticipated in the coming months. One intersection, New Salem and New Hope Church, had all way stops installed since 2023, which significantly reduced crashes and the need for the illumination project. Another intersection, Monroe-Ansonville and Bobwhite Circle, does not have power lines nearby and therefore cannot currently be illuminated without significant cost of installing power lines.
The recommended replacement intersections are US 74 and Curtis Lane, and Billy Howey and Napa Valley. Both intersections are in unincorporated Union County and have more than 40% of their crashes at night. US 74 and Curtis Lane would be served by Duke and Billy Howey and Napa Valley would be served by Union Power.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.