Dec. 12 - 18, 2014
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N.C. 68/150 (Oak Ridge Road) improvements funded Town council hopes changes will improve safety at intersection and increase walkability within commercial core district by KRISTIN KUBLY
Academy.
At the Dec. 4 town council meeting, Oakley said the town submitted the intersection improvement project to MPO several months ago, requesting that it be funded to improve safety and walkability.
regional priority with a cost to the state of $908,213.
relocating some of the electrical poles, but the overhead wires will “It’s exciting news to have this OAK RIDGE – Funding for improject funded by the state,” Oakley remain due to the prohibitive cost provements to the N.C. 68 and of burying them. Oak Ridge Road intersection has said. “Hopefully it will lead to some Council member George Mcbeen approved by the Greensboro more improvements along there.” Clellan noted the project originatThe Greensboro MPO recomUrban Metropolitan Planning Ored with the Pedestrian Steering mended project list dated March ganization, says Town Manager Committee and citizen input. 2014 shows the project as a top Bruce Oakley.
The project will include crosswalks and additional sidewalks, allowing easier access to shopping and Oak Ridge Military
Mayor Ray Combs said Oak Ridge has been working toward these improvements since the town’s incorporation (in 1998). Council member Mike Stone asked if the issue of all the overhead wires at the intersection would be addressed. Oakley replied that the project may involve
The Town of Oak Ridge Pedestrian Transportation Plan, approved in Oct. 2013, lists the town’s recommendations for the intersection.
“Concept A” includes sidewalks and crosswalks at each corner, curb ramps, improved lighting and pedestrian countdown signals and push buttons.
...continued on p. 18
Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO
Converting three slip lanes, such as the one shown above right, to regular turn lanes at the N.C. 68 and 150 intersection should reduce the number of accidents at the intersection, says the Greensboro MPO.
Northern Guilford heads to states! Northern Guilford High School’s Kamren Hicks, #80, celebrates after the varsity football team defeated Chapel Hill to win the NCHSAA 3AA West Regional Championship on Dec. 5. Fans are invited to gather at the high school at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, for a celebratory sendoff before the Nighthawks head to Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh (home of the N.C. State Wolfpack) to face Weddington in the state championship game. The game will kick off at 8 p.m. For more, see p. 14. Photo courtesy of Strawbridge Studios
IN THIS ISSUE
News in brief ...................................3 Your Questions ...............................4 Oak Ridge Town Council .............6 David Cole Pottery ......................10 Bits & Pieces ................................. 13 High School Sports ...................... 14 Student Profiles ............................15 Community Calendar ................20 NWO On The Go! .........................22 Crime/Incident Report ...............23 Letters/Opinions .........................24 Grins & Gripes ..............................26 Classifieds ....................................27 Index of Advertisers .................... 31