Lenoir County supports NCDOT safety changes at N.C. 11 and N.C. 55

The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution Monday supporting NCDOT safety improvements at the intersection of N.C. 11 and N.C. 55.

The proposed project would install a reduced conflict intersection, also known as an RCI, at the intersection. County staff said the request received a positive recommendation from the county’s transportation committee.

“This is a reduced conflict intersection,” Assistant County Manager Adam Short said. “You might remember those as the super street design at the intersection of 11/55 if you’re going out toward Greenville.”

Chris Smith with NCDOT said the department reviewed crash history and traffic operations at the intersection over a 10-year period, from Oct. 1, 2015, through Sept. 30, 2025.

“NCDOT conducted a comprehensive analysis of the crash history and traffic operations at this intersection for a 10-year study,” Smith said.

Smith said the review identified 26 reported crashes. Of those, 12 involved injuries, including one fatal crash, one Class A injury, two Class B injuries and eight Class C injuries.

The county resolution says the crash pattern includes a high occurrence of left-turn and angle crashes.

Smith said the intersection currently operates with stop conditions for N.C. 55 and a full movement crossover on N.C. 11.

Short asked Smith to clarify the impact on daily traffic, saying the main change would be for drivers coming from N.C. 55 who would need to make a U-turn instead of crossing directly.

“Everybody coming south on 11 who would want to go on 55 still can make that left-hand turn, and if you’re going north on 11 splitting off on 55, you can still turn right,” Short said. Smith confirmed that was correct.

After hearing the crash data, one commissioner said, “Looking at that crash data, I will definitely support this change.”

Commissioners approved the resolution supporting NCDOT’s request.