Education Wednesdays – Reduced Conflict Intersections
Corridors with growing traffic volumes and high crash rates are good candidates for a reduced-conflict intersection.
A reduced conflict intersection – sometimes referred to as a superstreet, a synchronized street or a median U-turn – is a general term used to describe several types of designs that can be used to improve safety and traffic flow on a highway.
There are variations to the designs, but they all function the same by reducing by almost half the number of potential locations, or conflict points, where drivers and pedestrians can collide. As this short video explains, the N.C. Department of Transportation built its first reduced conflict intersection around 2000 in Jackson County, west of Asheville.
Simplifying How Traffic Moves
Examples of Reduced Conflict Intersections
The most common type of reduced conflict intersection design eliminates left turns from side roads onto busy main roads.
Raised medians direct traffic from the side road into turning right. When there is a safe opening in traffic, drivers enter the flow of traffic on the main route. To go the other direction, or cross the highway, they pull into a dedicated lane – typically less than 1,000 feet away – and make a U-turn. There might be a traffic signal at this location.
In cases of dual right-turn lanes from the side road at a signalized intersection, drivers should stay in the left lane, if they intend to make the U-turn once on the main corridor.
Reducing the Risk of Crashes
A traditional four-way intersection has many potential conflict points. Because drivers can go in any direction from all four approaches, the likelihood of a crash is increased.
In 2023, NCDOT’s Traffic Safety Unit completed a safety study of 31 reduced conflict intersections that were constructed without traffic signals in North Carolina between 2009-17. The overall results were:
- 50 percent reduction in total crashes.
- 80 percent reduction in frontal impact crashes, which are associated with serious injuries and head-on or T-boned collisions.
A 2017 study by the Federal Highway Administration found that reduced conflict intersections with traffic signals reduced crashes 15 percent compared to conventional intersections.
Traveling More Quickly
An intersection with a traffic signal requires several phases to move drivers through the intersection, increasing travel time.
A 2010 study by North Carolina State University conducted for NCDOT found there was an average 20 percent time saving – for all drivers and at any time of the day – using a signalized reduced-conflict intersection compared to a conventional corridor.
Drivers on the minor street who need to turn right and then make a U-turn to travel in their intended direction will require on average 20 more seconds of travel, so side-street drivers receive the benefits of a safer corridor with only a minimal increase in their commute.
Economic Impact of Reduced Conflict Intersections
Economic researchers for the University of North Carolina at Wilmington spent over two years studying more than 400 reduced conflict intersections around the state for a report sponsored by NCDOT and published in 2022.
Below are some key findings of the 2022 economic impact study:
- While some locations showed a positive and significant increase in economic activity, many others had neither a negative nor positive effect, suggesting the traffic safety benefits gained by the design do not generally harm a business.
- Businesses with a large number of customers and that are busiest later in the day are more likely to believe the design makes it easier for customers to reach them.
- Reduced conflict intersections have the potential to support home values.
Residents and homeowners tended to value the improved traffic flow and traffic safety that result from a reduced conflict intersection, even if they experienced longer wait times to enter the main corridor from a side street without a traffic signal.
—Taken from NCDOT website.
Chatham County Highway Intersection Changing to Improve Safety
SILER CITY – Chatham County drivers should be alert for a new traffic pattern at U.S. 421 and N.C. 902 starting next week.
A contractor will rebuild the junction into a reduced conflict intersection, a design used by the N.C. Department of Transportation that improves safety and traffic flow and simplifies how drivers navigate busy corridors.
This design will mean drivers on N.C. 902 will be redirected into turning right onto U.S. 421 when it is safe to do so. They will no longer turn left or cross over U.S. 421. If they wish to go in another direction, they will drive a short distance guided by new signs into a dedicated U-turn lane with extra pavement to turn around on U.S. 421.
Concrete islands in the median will be built to reconfigure the intersection, allowing drivers on U.S. 421 to use left-turn lanes to safely enter N.C. 902. This construction will begin Tuesday morning when the traffic signal will be altered for a flashing caution yellow for U.S. 421 and a flashing red to stop traffic on N.C. 902.
Drivers should be aware of slow-moving or stopped traffic and crews and equipment within the roadway. This project is expected to be completed in the spring, when the traffic signal will be removed.
Safety First: State Leaders Join Forces to Kick Off Child Passenger Safety Campaign
| RALEIGH – State leaders are taking an important step to save lives by giving away child passenger safety seats and training people how to use them. Officials say 8 out of 10 child safety seats are installed or used incorrectly but believe more young lives could be saved if the seats were properly installed and used. The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program and North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal, Safe Kids NC, local law enforcement and first responders, today launched a statewide child passenger safety campaign. The campaign runs through Sept. 28. “Child passenger safety is about more than compliance—it’s about protecting lives,” said NCGHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “Our partnership with the Office of State Fire Marshal and Safe Kids NC brings resources and hands-on help to families, so every child rides safely.” Ezzell and other state leaders hosted a press conference on the initiative today at the Morrisville Fire Station. Education and enforcement efforts will emphasize the campaign’s message of safety to parents and caregivers this week. Certified technicians also conducted a free car seat check clinic, offering the public hands-on installation demonstrations and safety inspections. Officials also distributed 50 free child safety seats to families in need. Throughout the week, law enforcement agencies will staff checkpoint stations across the state to inspect child passenger seatbelts. Free services like car seat checking are available year-round for parents and caregivers of young children. Websites like buckleupnc.org provide detailed information about available permanent checking stations in all 100 North Carolina counties. “More than 3,100 nationally certified child passenger safety technicians in 97 of N.C’s 100 counties are trained to properly install car seats in vehicles,” said Chief State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor. “Thanks to these and other child safety efforts, North Carolina maintains its position as one of the strongest child passenger safety programs in the nation.” |
BeRailSafe Partners with Clayton Police to Promote National See Tracks? Think Train! Week
| CLAYTON – BeRailSafe, the N.C. Department of Transportation Rail Division’s railroad safety unit, is promoting National See Tracks? Think Train! Week through education and outreach. “National See Tracks? Think Train Week is a great opportunity to highlight railroad track and crossing safety messaging that we teach year-round” said NCDOT Rail Division director, Jason Orthner. “It is important for everyone to know how to safely and legally behave around railroad tracks and crossings to avoid unnecessary track tragedies.” On Tuesday, BeRailSafe and partner organizations, including the Clayton Police Department, N.C. Operation Lifesaver, Amtrak Police and Norfolk Southern Police, conducted three simultaneous crossing blitzes in Clayton and talked to over 1500 motorists to provide railroad track and crossing safety information. A “crossing blitz” is a public awareness safety exercise organized on roads near a railroad crossing where motorists are greeted and thanked for practicing safe driving behaviors. These activities emphasize the importance of obeying crossing safety and anti-trespass laws. See Tracks? Think Train! Week happening Sept. 15 – 22 urges the public to be alert, recognize rail-related risks and take an active role in preventing tragic incidents. Throughout the week, state railroad safety programs and partners across the U.S. deliver rail safety education through community outreach, social media campaigns, news stories and in-person events. “It’s critical we get this information to as many people as possible to make them aware of the dangers of unsafe behavior around railroad tracks and crossings,” says Ain Flowers, NCDOT’s BeRailSafe program coordinator. “Our No. 1 goal is to save lives by teaching people about railroad track and crossing safety to prevent injuries and fatalities.” The BeRailSafe program provides free rail safety training to police, fire and 911 operators in all 100 counties of North Carolina. Staff with the outreach program also promote rail safety statewide at festivals and events. To prevent tragedies on railroad tracks and at crossings, BeRailSafe reminds people to follow these safety tips: |
- All railroad tracks are private property, and trespassers can be arrested or fined, according to North Carolina General Statute.
- Never walk or ride a bike on or near the railroad tracks. Tracks are not a shortcut.
- The only safe, and legal, place to cross railroad tracks is at a public crossing designated with either a rail crossing sign, flashing red lights or a gate.
- It takes a train traveling at 55 mph more than a mile to stop – that’s more than 18 football fields.
- Never drive around lowered gates. It’s illegal and deadly.
- Never stop a car on the railroad tracks.
- If you stop to wait for a train at a traffic signal, always stop safely behind the white line.
- If your vehicle gets stuck on the tracks, get out and call the number on the blue and white sign posted on the crossing gate.
For more safety tips or to request a BeRailSafe presentation, visit this BeRailSafe.org and follow NC By Train on social media at Twitter/X and Instagram @NC_By_Train and NC By Train on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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NC Governor’s Highway Safety Program Stresses Summer Driving, Heat Safety
Officials call for vigilance for summer travel, vehicular heatstroke prevention
| RALEIGH – As North Carolina enters the heart of the summer vacation period, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program is partnering with the N.C. Department of Insurance to underscore critical safety measures focusing on holiday travel safety and the dangers of vehicular heatstroke. GHSP Director Mark Ezzell joined N.C. Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey and Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell at a press conference today at the eastbound Interstate 40 Rest Area in Benson, emphasizing the shared responsibility of all North Carolinians to ensure a safe summer for everyone on and off the roads. “The summer months between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend are a popular time for folks to enjoy our beautiful state, but it is also a time of increased travel, hot weather and a change in routine,” Ezzell said. “We all must commit to making smart choices behind the wheel and never leaving children or pets unattended in vehicles, even for a moment.” Commissioner Causey and Sheriff Bizzell reinforced this safety message by highlighting the often-fatal consequences of vehicular heatstroke. It is vital for all state residents and visitors to: |
- Never leave a child, vulnerable adult or pet unattended in a hot vehicle.
- Always check the back seat before leaving your vehicle.
- Plan travel routes in advance and allow extra time for potential delays.
- Designate a sober driver or plan for a safe ride home if you plan to consume alcohol or other impairing substances.
- Buckle up in every seat, every time.
- Avoid distracted driving by utilizing hands-free technology or putting away cell phones and other devices.
- Be aware of increased pedestrian and cyclist activity during summer months.
Through this and other similar public awareness campaigns, North Carolina leaders are determined to make our roads safer for everyone during the summer and throughout the rest of the year.
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Slow Down and Move Over for Stopped Emergency Vehicles
Enforcement campaign in place May 12-18
RALEIGH – The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program and state and local law enforcement are launching a statewide enforcement campaign to remind drivers of the importance of the Move Over Law.
North Carolina’s Move Over Law requires drivers to move over a lane or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road with flashing blue, red or amber lights. The law protects law enforcement officers, emergency services workers and people working along the roadside with the N.C. Department of Transportation.
“Our emergency transportation and utility responders put themselves in harm’s way each day to keep our roads safe,” said GHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “The Move Over Law is not just a suggestion; it’s the law, and a crucial component to ensure the safety of these responders and others. This campaign is a vital step in educating drivers and fostering a culture of safety on North Carolina roadways.”
People who violate the Move Over Law could face a $250 fine and misdemeanor or felony charges, if someone is injured or property is damaged.
“Slowing down and moving over is a simple way to help protect law enforcement, first responders, and others who work on the roads at all hours of the day,” said Colonel Freddy Johnson Jr., commander of the N.C. State Highway Patrol. “These emergency personnel work in dangerous situations all the time, but drivers really increase that risk for them when they ignore the flashing lights and don’t comply with the law.”
For more information on the Move Over Law, visit https://www.ncdot.gov/initiatives-policies/safety/driving-safety/Pages/move-over-law.aspx.
Statewide Enforcement Keeps Impaired Drivers Off the Roads
Holiday ‘Booze It & Lose It’ campaign runs Dec. 16-Jan. 5
| RALEIGH – The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program is partnering with local and state law enforcement to enforce a simple, but weighty message: if you have consumed impairing substances, do not get behind the wheel. The statewide “Holiday Booze It & Lose It” enforcement campaign increases public awareness and deters impaired people from driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs and other impairing substances. “Driving under the influence is deadly and illegal, and it should never be an option for getting home,” said GHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “We want everyone to enjoy the joy-filled holiday season, but we want everyone to do so responsibly. There are many available choices for a safe ride home; impaired driving is never the answer.” From today until Jan. 5, law enforcement agencies will increase the number of patrols and sobriety checkpoints in all 100 counties. According to the N.C. Department of Transportation, a total of 12,146 vehicle crashes involving an impaired driver occurred in North Carolina last year. Of that number, 394 crashes resulted in fatalities. Today’s campaign launch was held at Wake Med’s Raleigh campus and included several speakers from healthcare, along with law enforcement and elected officials. “Our mission is clear: to save lives by preventing impaired driving,” said Joseph Guzman, a registered nurse at UNC Health and founder of Nurses Against Drunk Driving. “We are committed to raising awareness, educating communities and advocating for policies that promote safe driving. Beyond advocacy, we aim to empower our hospital personnel, first responders and healthcare professionals to become vocal ambassadors of this message.” |
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Statewide Thanksgiving ‘Click It or Ticket’ Campaign Kicks Off in Iredell County
Seat belt safety campaign runs Nov. 25-Dec. 1
| RALEIGH – The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program is reminding everyone to buckle up while traveling during the Thanksgiving season. GHSP partnered with the Mooresville Police Department, NASCAR driver Ross Chastain and others this week at the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame to launch the statewide Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign. From Nov. 25-Dec. 1, law enforcement officers across all 100 counties will increase patrols to keep everyone safe during the holiday travel period. “For most, Thanksgiving means community gatherings, family, friends and food but every year, for a small number of North Carolinians, Thanksgiving means tragedy,” said GHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “It means that somebody has to knock on the door and tell someone that a loved one is not coming home because they did not wear their seat belt.” Last year in North Carolina, 495 people died in unbuckled crashes, including five people in Iredell County where officials hosted this week’s Click It or Ticket event. Choosing not to buckle up is dangerous and can be expensive. Drivers in North Carolina can face up to $187 in fines and fees if anyone in their vehicle is not wearing a seat belt. “Wearing a seat belt is not just a good habit, it is the law,” said Mooresville Police Chief Campurciani. “Our goal is to make sure that everyone arrives to their destination safely.” Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Recently, Campurciani had to explain to a 9-year-old boy that his older brother, who was unbelted, was killed in a car crash while coming home from football practice. “The kid was sitting on the couch with his football waiting for his brother to play catch with him when he got home,” Campurciani said. “He’s still waiting for his brother to come home.” This week’s event was held not far from the Mooresville home of NASCAR driver Ross Chastain, who is working with the Governor’s Highway Safety Program to promote safe driving practices. Chastain said seat belts are so important to his livelihood he wears nine of them to keep him safe in case of a crash. “If one person sees this and buckles their seat belt and it saves their life, then all of this was worth it,” Chastain said. (EDITORS/REPORTERS: You are welcome to use video footage and photos from this week’s event.) |
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