DOT to install median on Banchette Boulevard; Louisburg police explain pursuit policy

Louisburg — During the April 8 meeting the town's police representative told council that the North Carolina Department of Transportation will install a quick-curb median on Banchette Boulevard in front of the Sheetz on Banchette to reduce collisions; DOT will pay for the work.

Police said the median will reduce dangerous southbound left turns onto Sandalwood and prevent vehicles from crossing into Sandalwood from the Sheetz parking lot; drivers will still be able to enter the Sheetz lot from northbound traffic. "We have a lot of vehicle collisions in that intersection, so this will cut that down," the police presenter, Ethan, said. He said the town will inform DOT that the town has no objections and expects a short time frame for installation.

The police presentation also referenced a recent vehicle pursuit that recovered a stolen handgun; council members asked about the department's pursuit policy. Ethan said the department's policy vests discretion with supervisors, who consider weather, traffic, speeds and location when authorizing or cancelling a pursuit. "The policy is placed in the hands of the supervisors that are on duty," he said, adding that rigid no-chase policies can encourage flight in some cases.

Why it matters: The median project is intended to reduce a known collision hotspot and is funded by DOT. The pursuit-policy discussion follows a recent pursuit and recovery of a stolen weapon; councilors asked how policy balances public safety and pursuit risks.

Next steps: Town staff will notify DOT that the town is amenable to the median installation and the police will continue to apply supervisory discretion in pursuit decisions.