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18 <br /> Sl'0! <br /> TURNER ST - _ _ _- - - - _ - _ _ - <br /> �i- - - - - - - - - - <br /> r��r <br /> New driveway - -` <br /> - <br /> i <br /> i IL -� <br /> 1 Ll <br /> s ` <br /> 2 iv. Elimination of westbound Exit 160 off 1-85/40 (i.e. the Efland/Mt. Willing Exit) in Phase 1. <br /> 3 The exit will be combined with existing Exit 161 (US Highway 70/1-85 Connector Road). <br /> 4 As staff understands it, signage will be added indicating Exit 161 allows access to 'Efland' <br /> 5 and 'Mt Willing Road'. To access Mt. Willing Road from west bound 1-85/40, travelers will <br /> 6 be required to: <br /> 7 a. Exit the Interstate at Exit 161; <br /> 8 b. Stop at the proposed new stoplight; <br /> 9 c. Go straight through the intersection, driving onto the existing Interstate 85/40 on/off <br /> 10 ramp; <br /> 11 d. Travel approximately 3,200 ft. west arriving at Mt. Willing Road. <br /> 12 STAFF COMMENT: The current configuration (i.e., Exits 161 and 160) of the <br /> 13 interchange is commonly referred to as a "braided ramp interchange" where <br /> 14 entrance/exit points overlap. Vehicular traffic utilizes shared access roadways <br /> 15 resulting in weaving conflicts between traffic attempting to exit and access the <br /> 16 Interstate using these same travel lanes. <br /> 17 The current interchange configuration was designed approximately 25 years ago using <br /> 18 traffic volumes based on anticipated land use and traffic growth/distributions <br /> 19 assumptions in place at that time. <br /> 20 In reviewing the matter with NC DOT, the current layout is not particularly desirable <br /> 21 due to inherent operational and safety problems associated with the traffic movement <br /> 22 conflicts and relatively short distance provided for deceleration/acceleration for <br /> 23 motorists'. Current traffic weaving maneuvers result in potentially unsafe conditions <br /> 24 which would be significantly exacerbated by increases in traffic volumes. <br /> 25 While it is fair to say this Project has accelerated the need to consider revising the <br /> 26 existing interchange, Planning staff have been informed by NC DOT that <br /> 27 improvement(s)to the interchange would eventually be made to address public safety <br />