U-6065: U.S. 17 / N.C. 172 Intersection Improvements
U-6065: U.S. 17 / N.C. 172 Intersection Improvements
The N.C. Department of Transportation proposes to improve the U.S. 17 at N.C. 172 and U.S. 17 at Old Folkstone Road intersections. The purpose of the project is to improve traffic flow along U.S. 17 and specifically address local safety concerns at both intersections with U.S. 17. Based on traffic analyses of future year (2040) conditions, the intersections of U.S. 17 at N.C. 172 and Old Folkstone Road would exceed capacity during peak hours and operate poorly in their current condition.
Vicinity Map
Project Overview Video
Project Overview
In order to address heavy directional traffic, proposed improvements include converting the U.S. 17 at N.C. 172 intersection to a Continuous Green T‑Intersection configuration and implement access control measures along U.S. 17. These access control measures include redirecting left turns at the U.S. 17 at Old Folkstone Road intersection.
A new connector roadway between Old Folkstone Road and N.C. 172 will provide additional connectivity and efficient routes for the changing travel patterns. The connector road will also enable the area to better accommodate future demand from commuter and beach traffic.
Proposed Improvements
At the Continuous Green T-intersection:
- Southbound traffic on U.S. 17 has a continuously green signal eliminating stop-and-go delay for this movement. As a result, additional green time can be devoted to the other movements, including left turns from N.C. 172.
- As U.S. 17 continues non-stop, all other movements will continue to use the traffic signal as normal and function the same as a typical T-intersection.
- Left turns from the side street (N.C. 172) will turn into a channelized lane in order to merge with the main thru-movement.
Project Highlights
Two Alternatives are being evaluated for the project.
Alternatives 1 and 2 both include the continuous Green T-intersection improvements at U.S. 17/N.C. 172. All also include a connector roadway between Old Folkstone Road and N.C. 172.
They differ in the location of the tie-ins to both existing roadways. Alternatives 1 and 2 were shown to the public at the July 2019 Public Meeting.
U.S. 17 and N.C. 172 Green T-Intersection Rendering
Two Alternatives were previously evaluated for the project and presented at the July 2019 Public Meeting. Links to these maps are provided at the bottom of this page. Responses to common questions from the previous public meeting are available here.
The two alternatives presented include the continuous Green T-intersection improvements for U.S. 17 at N.C. 172, a new U-turn location for U.S. 17 southbound (½ mile south of Old Folkstone Road), and the new connector roadway between Old Folkstone Road and N.C. 172. Old Folkstone Road will become a right- in and right-out roadway at US 17; left turns would not be permitted.
The Alternatives differed in the location of the tie-ins for the Connector Road to both existing roadways. The Connector Road for these options intersects N.C. 172 within ½ mile of U.S. 17. Considering concerns over queueing along N.C. 172, safety, and right-of-way,
As a result of feedback received, a new alternative (Alternative 3) was developed.
The Project Team adjusted the alignment of Alternative 3 to utilize the existing Tile Lane approximately 800 feet east of the previous Alternative 2. Both intersections along the new Connector Road will be stop-controlled since current traffic volumes do not warrant the installation of signals.
Benefits of a Continuous Green T-Intersection
- Reduced Delay at Intersection
- Free-flow thru-movement allows additional time to be allotted to minor movements and reduces overall delay.
- Improved Safety: channelized left turns from side street reduce risk of angle crashes.
- Reduced Travel Time:
- Reduced delay along the main arterial by eliminating stop and go conditions and delay associated with traffic signals.
Navigating a Continuous Green T-Intersection
Project Development
The development of alternatives and the required environmental studies are conducted in accordance with the N.C. State Environmental Policy Act (N.C. SEPA) and the public meeting is one step in the project planning process.
Public comments will be accepted through the end of December. Please submit your comments using one of the options at the end of this page.
Project Planning Process
| Activity | Alternative 3 Estimated Cost* |
| Right of Way Acquisition | $ 1.0 million |
| Utility Relocation | $ 1.2 million |
| Construction | $ 8.7 million |
| Total Cost | $10.9 million |
* Estimated costs, subject to change
| Milestone | Date* |
| Environmental Document | 2022 |
| Right of Way Acquisition | 2023 |
| Begin Construction | 2025 |
*Future dates subject to change
Public Involvement
Current Public Meeting Maps
Alternative 1 – Green T-intersection improvements at U.S. 17 and N.C. 172; safety improvements at U.S. 17 and Old Folkstone Road; new Connector Road extending north at the sharp curve along Old Folkstone Road and connecting with Chelsea Lane and N.C. 172
Alternative 2 – Green T-intersection improvements at U.S. 17 and N.C. 172; safety improvements at U.S. 17 and Old Folkstone Road; new Connector Road extending from Penny Lane at Old Folkstone Road north to N.C. 172
Alternative 3 (Preferred) – Green T-intersection improvements at U.S. 17 and N.C. 172; safety improvements at U.S. 17 and Old Folkstone Road; new Connector Road extending north from east of the sharp curve along Old Folkstone Road and connecting with Tile Lane and N.C. 172