Petition to NC DOT Regarding Accidents on NC 54

On Monday June 28 at approximately 7:00 am I waited patiently for the green light so I could turn left (west) onto highway 54 from Huntingridge. There was very little traffic. When the light turned green I looked to the west and saw a car approaching the intersection full speed ahead. I was concerned because although they were a good distance from their red light they were not slowing down at all. I was so lucky to have seen the car and waited because it never slowed down and clearly ran a red light through the intersection heading east on 54. Had I not been especially mindful and alert that morning it could easily have been my last morning. This is an extremely dangerous intersection.

On June 28, 2018, I was t- boned at this intersection by a man speeding and texting. In the hospital for 24 days with a fractured pelvis and a year and a half of healing and PT. Every time I go through that intersection I’m as cautious as possible. Every week I see someone run a red light or speed through the intersection over 45 mph. I’d like to keep that stop light and add a camera box to that area. I was lucky. Someone else may not be!

When UNC is in session, there is usually an accident at the light on 54 at Huntingridge Road in the early half of the week, every week.

It is totally possible to tabulate the frequent accidents. However, there are also any “almost”… which are not” counted”/tabulated in the above mentioned accidents problems. Also the traffic now crossing 54, at Huntingridge, To go through our neighborhood has increased, with new homes being built, reopening of medial offices to general public after pandemic. This makes for a often “iffy” situation when people don’t use blinkers ahead or during turns… adding to the anxiety and rushing of anyone going anywhere/any direction.

The recent increase in traffic on Highway 54 as housing and offices replace churches and open space mean that short-term solutions are needed as well as long-term ones. At minimum, a flashing warning light should be installed on the eastbound side to warn of backups created by heavy traffic trying to get on I-40 after Fearrington Rd. Enforcement for speeding and dangerous driving would also help, since people who are impatient with the slower pace of heavy traffic endanger our lives near this intersection every day. Please help prevent the next traffic tragedy here!

My biggest concern about this intersection is the potential for an accident resulting in serious injury and/or death. Traffic has become much heavier on 54 over the years, especially at rush hour. Too many people speed (easily driving 60 mph), weave in and out of traffic, and even tailgate because of their impatience. There needs to be a warning system showing slowed/stopped traffic and it wouldn’t hurt to have an unmarked police car (or perhaps a camera) around to monitor what’s happening at that intersection. Please consider the safety of all driving on hwy 54. Thank you.

With all the accidents and the demographic forecast of 30,000 more people in the triangle each year for the next 20 it is urgent that a traffic solution comes soon for 54, Farrington and 40 intersections.

There needs to be a warning system prior to intersection when cars are stopped or slowing down

We need traffic warning device before approaching intersection to make drivers aware of slow/stopped cars ahead.

It took me 14 minutes to go east from Barbee Road (out of Meadowmont) to Huntington Road between 4:00 and 4:30 on a Wednesday. While making my way, four cars drove off 54 onto the grass to pass, one turned into Huntington, the other three sat at the light waiting for it to turn red and then green again, returning to 54.

I find this intersection increasingly dangerous - and people seem to be increasing in their speed of driving, being less careful and traffic is also increasing. With all the residents, businesses, doctor's offices many people will continue to frequent this stretch of road. Please consider a remedy to make this a safer area for driving, visiting and living in.

Someone will die in an accident at this intersection. Cars driving on NC 54, in either direction, run or completely miss a red light at Huntingridge and NC54. Cars driving east on NC 54 rear-end cars stopped for the traffic backed up from the traffic light at Fearrington and NC54. Cars on NC54 making u-turns at Huntingridge create unsafe conditions for cars driving on or accessing NC 54. Increasing traffic volume and driving speed are increasing the number of accidents and the probability of a fatality. Please address this before someone dies.

I was personally involved in an accident here when a young man ran the red light and t-boned my car with my two young sons in the car, almost flipping the car to the side. The car was totaled, luckily my children were not hurt. Please please fix this intersection.

Increased traffic is making it more difficult to get in and out of our neighborhood. Also, please consider the need for traffic lights off of Farrington Road at Dunbrook Rd and Ridgefield Dr.

This intersection is very dangerous, has needed attention for years. In addition there are new apartments going up all around here. It will only get worse.

I don't know how many times I've had to avoid running over the broken glass and car parts left from these collisions.

The intersection is complex, with a service road, a hill that obscures a long sight line, and bumper to bumper back ups heading towards Durham from Chapel Hill between 4 and 6 p.m. My family and I urge you to study this intersection to determine the way to remedy the situation. and make it safer for all commuters and residents. Thank you.

We urge you to respond soon to correct this dangerous traffic situation.

I hear squealing tires and metal on metal from my house near 54 on a near daily basis between 4pm and 6:00pm. Drivers are not expecting/looking for the major backups that occur every day beyond the turn-in/red light at Falconbridge/Huntingridge Rd. Warning flashers, etc should be installed between the previous red light and this one when traffic is backed up or the Huntingridge red light is triggered.

Definitely need to do something about this intersection.