Commissioners approve county share for event-site traffic signal to improve crosswalk safety

The Dare County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Jan. 5 to approve a county expenditure to help fund a four-way traffic signal at the county-owned event site, a safety measure the tourism board said will reduce accidents and improve the crosswalk during large events.

Lee Nettles, representing the tourism board, said the site has hosted markets and festivals since 2012 and that event traffic can create unsafe crossing conditions. He told commissioners the proposal was to split the cost so Nags Head would pay one-third and the county two-thirds.

Commissioners discussed off-season operation and sensor-based activation so the traffic signal would not unnecessarily stop winter traffic. Commissioner Balance moved to approve; the vice chair seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The board did not identify a separate capital-approval request or a specific timeline for construction during the meeting; staff said the signal installation will coordinate with NCDOT and town plans, and the town of Nags Head has proposed adding a sidewalk on the adjacent street to further improve pedestrian safety.