Statesville Road/Westmoreland Road intersection

March 14. By Dave Vieser. It may be easier said than done, but motorists are advised to avoid the Statesville Road/Westmoreland Road intersection for the next few weeks while work continues on adding much-needed new turning lanes.

The current long delays for motorists approaching the intersection are caused by the traffic signal being disconnected from the sensors in the road, requiring the signal to operate on a timer which cannot sense the volume of traffic. The NCDOT says this means the left-turn signal for westbound traffic works on a timer, and the net result has been long delays for Westmoreland Road motorists, partly those traveling east.

Stopped traffic has frequently stretched well west of the I-77 bridge since the traffic lights were impacted by the construction work.

Ultimately the new turning lanes as well as an upgraded traffic signal will improve conditions at the corner.

Costs for the improvements are being covered as part of the required traffic measures for the new Atrium hospital, which will be opening this spring.