The Heidi Trask Bridge at Wrightsville Beach. StarNews file photo.
Q. What is the reasoning behind the new traffic pattern at Wrightsville Beach? I am talking about the new stop sign at the intersection of West Salisbury and Causeway Drive.
A. Wrightsville Beach drivers may find an additional stop sign annoying, but state Department of Transportation resident engineer Kerry Cross emphasizes its presence is a matter of safety. Because of ongoing bridge work, the NCDOT installed a stop sign at West Salisbury Street and Causeway Drive.
Kerry explained that because lanes have been reduced from two in each direction to one westbound and one eastbound, the traffic sign was installed to stop traffic from freely flowing from West Salisbury. Before, Kerry said, Causeway Drive and West Salisbury traffic each had a lane to use when traveling over the bridge. Now, drivers traveling on Causeway Drive have the right of way to cross the bridge while those coming from West Salisbury have to stop and then merge into the westbound lane.
Cross said drivers can expect these types of lane closures and 11 overnight bridge shutdowns through mid-March of next year. Other forms of bridge maintenance will continue through fall 2013, Cross said.
RELATED LINKS:
Why are there covered-up stop signs on Salisbury Street in Wrightsville Beach?
How is a company allowed to conduct business under the Wrightsville Beach bridge?
Date posted: October 12, 2012
User-contributed question by:
Susan Mock
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