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<br /> <br />the I-85/US 70 Connector approximately 400’ north of the existing Ben Johnston Road <br />and two right in-right out accesses on what is described in the study as a service road <br />resulting from the modification of the existing braided interstate interchange via removal <br />of the existing westbound 160 exit ramp. A full movement access on Mt. Willing Road <br />directly across from Turner Street is proposed in phase 2. <br /> <br />Interstate Interchange Modifications: <br /> <br />As previously noted, the traffic study includes recommendations for modification of the <br />existing westbound I-40/85 braided interstate interchange with removal of the existing <br />westbound exit 160 ramp resulting in conversion of the braided configuration to a one- <br />way service road providing access to Mt. Willing Road via reassignment of traffic <br />currently using this exit 160 to the 161 exit ramp and utilizing the resulting service road <br />to access Mt. Willing Road. Site access to the resulting service road in the form of two <br />right in-right out driveways is proposed. NCDOT staff is in general agreement with the <br />conclusion in the above- referenced weaving assessment that the current configuration is <br />not desirable due to the presence of a high speed conflict point at the existing exit 160 <br />gore and the relatively short weaving length provided by the existing braided ramps. Staff <br />also concurs that operational and safety problems will worsen with the increase in traffic <br />associated with the proposed development and/or future traffic growth. The proposed <br />modification of the interchange and the proposed break in the controlled access right of <br />way to accommodate the proposed site accesses will require review and approval by the <br />NCDOT Right of Way Disposal and Controlled Access Committee as well as the Federal <br />Highway Administration. The Applicant has not yet made the necessary submittals to <br />these bodies; therefore, the outcome of this proposal is not determined at this time. The <br />remaining comments in this letter are based on the presumption that the modification will <br />proceed as proposed and contingent upon approval. In the event that the request is not <br />approved, additional traffic operational analysis for alternate scenarios will be needed. <br /> <br />Required Road Improvements: <br />As a condition of the pending NCDOT Driveway Permit and contingent upon approval of <br />the interstate interchange modification and controlled access breaks as described above, <br />the Applicant will be required to construct the following road improvements to mitigate <br />traffic impacts attributable to site traffic to ensure acceptable operation. <br /> <br />Phase 1 Improvements: <br />The following improvements shall be constructed with development of phase 1 and prior <br />to placing the proposed gas station with convenience store into operation. <br /> <br />Intestate Interchange Modification: <br />Subject to FHWA approval, modify the existing interchange as follows: <br /> Remove existing westbound 160 exit ramp <br /> Reconfigure to provide for a one-way service road with dual thru lanes extending <br />from the I-85/US 70 Connector to the westbound 160 on ramp and proceeding as <br />a single thru lane to Mt. Willing Road <br /> <br /> <br />136