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96 <br /> recommendations for turning lanes. He inquired who will pay for the <br /> Hillsborough bypass and the widening of US 70. He inquired how traffic <br /> would be handled around Cameron Park School. <br /> Watkins responded that given the 17-18 . 000 ADT (average daily <br /> trips) safe capacity on US 70, NCDOT would have to address critical <br /> points only and later consider multilaning US 70. He noted that the <br /> safe capacity for St. Mary's Road is 11, 000 to 12, 000 ADT. <br /> Kramer expressed concern that planning for these improvements was <br /> shortsighted given the problems and concerns cited by the Town of <br /> Hillsborough. <br /> Watkins responded that St. Mary's Road is part of the approved <br /> thoroughfare plan for Hillsborough. He continued that it is a function <br /> of NCDOT to construct roads included on a thoroughfare plan. He noted <br /> that improvements to US 70 needed to get on the TIP (Transportation <br /> Improvement Program) for Orange County and be approved by the Board of <br /> Transportation. <br /> Planning Board member Chris Best asked what the service level <br /> would be for US 70 at full capacity. Watkins responded level C which <br /> would mean minor traffic delays. Best inquired about St. Mary' s Road. <br /> Watkins responded that intersections are the critical points. He noted <br /> that a two lane road with a turn lane carries as much traffic as a four <br /> lane road with out much additional capacity. He added that a five lane <br /> road was preferable to a four lane road given the minimum additional <br /> capacity of a four lane road. <br /> Best inquired if NCDOT had investigated the need for a traffic <br /> light at the intersection of US 70 and St. Mary's Road. Watkins <br /> responded that an investigation had been conducted and it was <br /> determined that a traffic light was not warranted. <br /> Best noted that NCDOT had labeled US 70 as a thoroughfare and <br /> emphasized the need to maintain the continuity of the road as a <br /> travelway and suggested the need to install two traffic lights along <br /> this road. Watkins responded that when Scotswood is fully developed <br /> two traffic lights will likely be needed. He noted that with the <br /> installation of a traffic light at an intersection the incidence of <br /> angle accidents decreases the incidence of rear end collisions increase <br /> S. He added that a turn lane reduces the likelihood of rear end <br /> collisions by establishing a protected area for turning traffic. <br /> Pilkey inquired about the desirable spacing between traffic lights <br /> on a main highway. Watkins responded 700-750 feet to allow for storage <br /> and coordination of the signals. <br /> Pilkey inquired if NCDOT considered anything besides the number of <br /> cars, i.e. , hills, narrowness of the road etc. in classifying roads. <br /> Watkins responded that road characteristics are considered citing the <br /> example that narrow roads handle less capacity. <br /> Planning Board Chair Barry Jacobs inquired about the cost and <br /> source of a traffic signal. Watkins responded a signal costs from $5 <br /> 6000 to $30, 000, depending on the complexity of the signal and is <br />