All-way stop coming to dangerous Onslow County intersection
A dangerous Onslow County intersection will soon be getting an all-way stop, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
The intersection of Murrill Brown Road and Ben Williams Road in Richlands has experienced an elevated crash rate in the past, according to a news release from the N.C. Department of Transportation.
NCDOT's Assistant Division Traffic Engineer told The Daily News via Communications Officer Lauren Haviland that there were 11 crashes in a 10-year period with multiple injuries at this intersection.
Because of this, transportation crews will install traditional red stop signs at the intersection, creating an all-way stop.
The total cost of the project is $15,000 and the plan is to install the all-way stop this week, depending on the weather needed for the pavement markings, Haviland relayed.
"We just want to remind drivers to be patient as crews are working to install the all-way-stop and be cautious of the new traffic pattern," she added.
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The release said advance warning signs stating, "stop ahead" and "new traffic pattern" will also be installed, which is part of the Highway Safety Improvement Program. The goal of this program is to reduce the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities by reducing the potential for crashes and the severity on public roadways.
The NCDOT also wants to remind drivers of the rules at an all-way stop. The release said traffic heading in any direction at this intersection must now make a complete stop.
At an all-way stop, the first vehicle at the intersection has the right of way. When two or more vehicles reach the intersection at the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right of way and may go straight, or, if legal and after signaling, turn.
When two facing vehicles approach an intersection at the same time, both drivers can move straight ahead or turn right. If one driver is going straight, though, while the other wants to turn left, the driver who wants to turn left must yield.
The release added that even with the right of way, drivers should remember to use appropriate turn signals and watch for pedestrians and other vehicles.
Prior to this project, through traffic on Ben Williams Road did not stop. This change will improve safety and reduce crashes at this intersection.
Reporter Morgan Starling can be reached at mstarling@jdnews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Daily News: All-way stop coming to dangerous Onslow County intersection
