Relief is coming to motorists who travel through a congested Moore County intersection.

N.C. Board of Transportation recently approved $715,000 toward the construction of dual left-turn lanes on the southbound and northbound sections of U.S. 15/501 at Morganton Road, one of the busiest intersections in Southern Pines. The project will reduce delays and improve safety.

To further enhance the intersection, the department will install a westbound right-turn lane on Morganton Road.

Patrick Molamphy, the state Transportation Board member from Moore County representing Division 8, thanked Division Engineer Brandon Jones and his staff for identifying funds to accelerate the project. 

“This is a badly needed project at a prominent intersection,” Molamphy said. “I’m glad the Board of Transportation recognized that importance when it approved the funding this month.”

On a related note, the Board of Transportation this past summer approved $250,000 to widen Morganton Road between U.S. 15/501 and Turnberry Way to accommodate the additional left-turn lane on U.S. 15/501 Northbound.

The department will finish designing the project, relocate utilities and acquire the additional right of way. The project is expected to be completed by late 2019.

 

Contributed