Some N.C. 42 intersections will get new traffic patterns
CLEVELAND – Changes are coming to how traffic moves in a commercially congested area on N.C. 42 near I-40 in the Cleveland community.
The changes will affect some of the N.C. 42 intersections on the west side of Interstate 40’s Exit 312.
Today (Wednesday), a new traffic signal at Technology Drive and N.C. 42 has been set to yellow-flashing mode, and it will become active March 27.
The existing traffic light where Commerce Parkway/Glen Road intersect N.C. 42 will be removed on March 27, effecting the following traffic changes:
- Commerce Parkway will become what is known as a “right in, right out,” which means eastbound drivers on N.C. 42 will be able to turn right at this location, and drivers exiting Commerce Parkway will be redirected to turn right onto the highway;
- Westbound drivers on N.C. 42 will be able to turn right into Glen Road. However, drivers on Glen Road will lose access to N.C. 42; instead, they will use a new roundabout at Technology Drive, then its new traffic signal on N.C. 42.
Additionally, a temporary median will be installed next week along N.C. 42 between Technology Drive and Interstate 40 restricting left-hand turns. A raised, concrete median will be constructed along this same stretch in the coming months.
These changes will improve safety and ease congestion in a design referred to as a reduced conflict intersection.
All of this work is part of the ongoing project to widen I-40 from Exit 301 to mile marker 314, as this project webpage by the N.C. Department of Transportation explains. The project website includes this online map showing details of the changes to Exit 312 and N.C. 42.
