Adopt a Hot Spot Success Story 1
T.W. Alexander Drive and Glenwood Avenue
 NCDOT had received several calls from motorists regarding delays at the major intersection of T.W. Alexander Drive and Glenwood Avenue in northwest Raleigh. In response to a suggestion from the RTA’s “Adopt-a-Hot-Spot” program, the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) reprogrammed the traffic signals at the T.W. Alexander Drive - Glenwood Avenue intersection to improve efficiency and reduce delays for thousands of Research Triangle Park-bound drivers.
HotSpot location:
T.W. Alexander Drive at US 70 / Glenwood Avenue
Situation:
Long delays associated with existing traffic signal phasing plan
Alliance suggestion:
Consider eliminating unneeded signal phase to reduce delay
Partner agency:
NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
Solution:
NCDOT traffic engineers examined the subject intersection and incorporated RTA’s suggestion to eliminate one signal phase by reprogramming the signal controller
Result:
NCDOT’s improvement is saving around 15 seconds every cycle for left-turners and improving overall intersection efficiency
Immediate benefits:
The change has reduced average commute times for more than 1,300 vehicles turning left onto Alexander during a single peak morning hour. In addition, NCDOT’s efforts have reduced delays all day for all drivers at the intersection.
Long-term benefits:
Although not applicable everywhere, NCDOT will consider implementing this concept at other locations
RTA offers thanks to:
Andy McKay, Steve Johnson and Mark Harrison, all with NCDOT |
NCDOT officials noted that this change provides about 15 additional seconds every cycle for vehicles making left turns from Glenwood Avenue (US 70) to TW Alexander Drive and points west, including the heart of Research Triangle Park. Nearly 35,000 vehicles enter this intersection daily, with more than 1,300 making a left-turn onto TW Alexander during a single hour in the morning alone.
 “In a time of severe transportation funding limitations, making the best use of our existing system is imperative,” said RTA Vice Chair Rick Weddle, CEO of the Research Triangle Foundation of NC that owns and operates RTP. “We’re delighted that NCDOT was willing to work with the Alliance on these timely improvements to a critical, congested intersection used by thousands of RTP employees every day.”
NCDOT Division 5 (serving Wake, Durham, and five nearby counties) Traffic Engineer Steve Johnson said that “the Department seeks to help out the motoring public any way we can” as long as safety is not compromised. Deputy Division 5 Traffic Engineer Andy McKay thanked the RTA for the suggestion and added, “NCDOT employees truly do care about roadway problem issues and work hard to help resolve them.”
RTA Executive Director Joe Milazzo II, PE, stated “the Alliance looks forward to continuing our partnerships with local and state transportation agencies in order to help the region spend less time commuting and more time with family.”
Regional Transportation Alliance members can suggest other “HotSpot” problem intersections online at www.letsgetmoving.org/hotspot.html or by calling 919.664-7062.
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