DOT plans traffic signal at Manteo elementary intersection; district to tie in solar flashing lights

District staff told the Feb. 10 board meeting that the North Carolina Department of Transportation plans to install a traffic signal at the intersection near Manteo (Manny) Elementary School and the public library to improve safety for students and pedestrians.

Mr. Bassnite briefed the board that DOT and the Town of Manteo conducted studies and decided to place a signal at the intersection of Burnside Road and the road that serves the Manteo Elementary bus loop. Library placement and building geometry mean DOT cannot place a light pole on the corner next to the library; the parties discussed alternative pole locations. Ian (district staff) said the plan calls for one light post on the school side, one in the library parking lot, and a pedestrian pole in front of the library. ADA siting and the library roof canopy will affect final locations. DOT hopes to start work “realistically” in spring (DOT initially mentioned fall) and the project could take four to six months.

Dare County Schools has already installed solar flashing lights at Manny Elementary (the district owns those lights) and plans to tie those into the new traffic signal so the lights will flash when the signal turns red. The project also will include a signalized pedestrian crosswalk with a push button that students can use. Board members asked whether staff or an officer will continue to assist with crosswalks; district staff said crossing assistance at several schools (examples cited: Veterans Drive, Collington Road, First Flight campuses, Nags Head Elementary) will continue in conversation with the sheriff's office and does not anticipate immediate changes.

No formal vote was taken. The discussion provided project timing, siting constraints and an outline of pedestrian‑safety features that will accompany the new signal.