Pay $50,000, get a traffic signal
If the town ponies up $50,000, it is very likely, almost a sure thing, that the state Department of Transportation will install a traffic signal at the South Franklin Street/N.C. 98 bypass intersection. That is what Planning Director Chip Russell told the mayor and commissioners Tuesday night at the close of their work session. He happened to see the assistant district engineer for DOT’s Division Five at a meeting in the last few days. Russell said the engineer told him that “if the town makes a contribution the benefit-cost ratio jumps to a level where it may be considered. “They understand that it is a priority,” Russell said. “We think this can be done relatively quickly.” Russell said that could mean the traffic signal would be installed “by this time next year.” Mayor Vivian Jones may be sending out the letter today, and Town Manager