MIDLAND, N.C. (Queen City News) — Changes are coming to an intersection in Cabarrus County that has seen more than a dozen crashes in the past four years.
Crews are working on improvements that officials say will make NC 24/27 near Bethel School Road in Midland safer. Crews have begun the process of creating a scaled-down conflict intersection that will change traffic patterns in the area.
Elizabeth Nervegna has lived in the area for four years. She became aware of the dangers of the highway and has been in contact with local and state representatives.
“Speed is definitely a big factor in all these accidents,” Nervegna said.
The most memorable incident occurred in September 2023, when three people, including a child, died. Died in multiple car accident Along NC 24/27 near Bethel School Road. The driver suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to a local hospital. He was subsequently charged with drunk driving.
“The whole family was on board,” Nervegna said. “That was along the main road.”
North Carolina Department of Transportation crews are currently making changes to the road. They are creating so-called reduced conflict intersections.
Due to the change in traffic patterns, drivers will no longer be able to turn left and cross the roadway on NC 24/27. Instead, drivers will be directed to turn right from Bethel School Road and use the turnaround point.
An NCDOT spokesperson said the department has conducted studies showing the effectiveness of RCI.
“RCI reduces the number of potential collision points, or collision points, between drivers and pedestrians by almost 50% and reduces head-on collisions by 80%,” the study said.
“It's a shame that it didn't happen sooner, because it could have really saved the lives and injuries of many people who have been involved in accidents over the years,” Nervegna said. . “But I’m glad it’s happening now and it was worth the effort.”
NCDOT also lowered the speed limit on N.C. 24/27 to 45 mph, which Nelvena said is a step in the right direction and hopes the agency will continue to help.
“They actually formed a task force with our town,” Nervegna said. “Town leaders, the Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Transportation are currently meeting regularly to discuss issues in the area and review what needs to change.”
Dominion Energy crews said the traffic lights will be added by the end of this month, but it will take longer to be fully operational. NCDOT officials say the road portion of the project should be completed this summer and the vegetation will continue through the end of the year. Officials also said road closures would be limited to off-peak hours.
