Raleigh – The N.C. Department of Transportation plans to modify the intersection of N.C. 96 and Pocomoke Road/Gordon Moore Road in southwestern Franklin County to a permanent all-way stop this week. The change is scheduled to take place Wednesday, beginning at 10 a.m., and be wrapped up by that afternoon, weather permitting.
The intersection currently has a flashing red light that requires vehicles to stop on Pocomoke Road/Gordon Moore Road, but traffic on N.C. 96 has a flashing yellow light, and does not have to stop.
The conversion is taking place following an NCDOT investigation that determined traffic volumes at the intersection and other factors warranted changing the flashing yellow light to a flashing red light, and to installing stop signs on N.C. 96. Crews will also be putting in “Stop Ahead” pavement markings on N.C. 96 to help warn motorists of the new traffic pattern. At a multi-way stop, drivers take turns entering the intersection, resulting in fewer and less severe crashes.
On-site flagmen will help control traffic through the intersection while work is being performed.
As drivers approach the intersection, they are advised to follow these right of way rules:
• The first vehicle to the intersection has the right of way ahead of any vehicle that has not yet arrived;
• When two or more vehicles reach an intersection at the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right of way;
• The vehicle with the right of way may move straight ahead or, if legal and after signaling, turn left or right;
• 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 while the other wants to turn left, the driver who wants to turn left must yield. The driver who is traveling straight ahead has the right of way; and
• Even with the right of way, remember to use the appropriate turn signals and be careful to avoid hitting other vehicles and/or pedestrians.
For more information on navigating intersections, consult the North Carolina Driver’s Handbook. To get a copy, call 919-715-7000 or visit the NC DMV website.
For real-time travel information, call 511, visit the Traveler Services section of NCDOT.gov or follow NCDOT on Twitter.