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a. Exit the Interstate at Exit 161; <br />b. Stop at the proposed new stoplight; <br />c. Go straight through the intersection, driving onto the existing Interstate 85/40 <br />on/off ramp; <br />d. Travel approximately 3,200 ft. west arriving at Mt. Willing Road. <br />STAFF COMMENT: The current configuration (i.e., Exits 161 and 160) of the <br />interchange is commonly referred to as a “braided ramp interchange” where <br />entrance/exit points overlap. Vehicular traffic utilizes shared access roadways <br />resulting in weaving conflicts between traffic attempting to exit and access the <br />Interstate using these same travel lanes. <br />The current interchange configuration was designed approximately 25 years ago <br />using traffic volumes based on anticipated land use and traffic growth/distributions <br />assumptions in place at that time. <br />In reviewing the matter with NC DOT, the current layout is not particularly desirable <br />due to inherent operational and safety problems associated with the traffic movement <br />conflicts and relatively short distance provided for deceleration/acceleration for <br />motorists’. Current traffic weaving maneuvers result in potentially unsafe conditions <br />which would be significantly exacerbated by increases in traffic volumes. <br />While it is fair to say this Project has accelerated the need to consider revising the <br />existing interchange, Planning staff have been informed by NC DOT that <br />improvement(s) to the interchange would eventually be made to address public safety <br />issues and would likely have involved the elimination of westbound Exit 160 to <br />address public safety issues as traffic volumes increase in the area. <br />The elimination of westbound Exit 160/reconfiguration of Exit 161, will require <br />additional review as part of NC DOT and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) <br />processes independent of this process. If approved, the project will move forward <br />consistent with the master concept plan under review. If denied, the applicant will <br />have to address necessary modification(s) at a future date. <br />As a practical matter, the processing of this rezoning request is the first step in this <br />process. <br />ii. Installation of new traffic signals (i.e., new driveway/Exit 161 intersection with US <br />Highway 70/I-85 Connector Road and the intersection of the I-85/40 on/off ramp with Mt. <br />Willing Road) in Phase 1; <br />iii. Turning Ben Johnson Road into a ‘right turn only’. Vehicles attempting to access the <br />Interstate from Ben Johnson Road will turn right onto US Highway 70/I-85 Connector <br />Road, complete a U-turn at the proposed signal approximately 500 ft. north, and access <br />the Interstate via the existing on/off ramp. This work would be completed in Phase 1; <br />iv. Numerous roadway improvements (i.e. widening for adding of turning lanes, development <br />of traffic stops, etc.). <br />STAFF COMMENT: Both Planning and NC DOT staff have reviewed the proposal. <br />Comments are contained in Attachment 6. <br />Improvements will need to be made to Mt. Willing Road to accommodate the <br />current/anticipated traffic flow. County Comprehensive/Transportation Planning staff <br />21