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18 <br /> i T a - <br /> I <br /> STOP <br /> TURNER 5; - - - - - - - - - -== _ <br /> New driveway <br /> Jew <br /> iv. Elimination of westbound Exit 160 off 1-85/40 (i.e. the Efland/Mt. Willing Exit) in Phase 1. <br /> The exit will be combined with existing Exit 161 (US Highway 70/1-85 Connector Road). <br /> As staff understands it, signage will be added indicating Exit 161 allows access to `Efland' <br /> and `Mt Willing Road'. To access Mt. Willing Road from west bound 1-85/40, travelers will <br /> be required to: <br /> 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 on/off <br /> 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 using <br /> 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 />