During a recent government meeting, officials discussed a proposed safety project aimed at addressing traffic concerns at the intersection of US 1974 and NC 28 in Swain County. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has identified this intersection as a site with a troubling history of crashes, particularly involving left turns from NC 28 onto US 1974, which have resulted in moderate to severe injuries.

The proposed solution involves the construction of a reduced conflict intersection, which would eliminate left turns from NC 28 onto US 1974 by installing a concrete island in the median. Motorists wishing to turn left would instead be required to turn right and perform a U-turn at the next intersection with Lewis Cemetery Road. This change is part of a broader effort by NCDOT to enhance safety at high-risk locations.

Concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the effectiveness of the proposed changes. Some officials expressed skepticism about the safety of U-turns, citing personal experiences and the heavy traffic flow in the area. They emphasized the need for further input from traffic engineers and the community to ensure that the proposed modifications would genuinely improve safety.

The NCDOT has committed to holding a public meeting to discuss project details with community members as plans develop. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to secure support from local representatives for safety projects, particularly those with documented crash histories.

As discussions continue, local officials are advocating for a thorough examination of the intersection's safety issues and the potential impact of the proposed changes on traffic patterns. The meeting underscored the importance of community feedback in shaping transportation safety initiatives.