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Back Creek Church Road
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are all of the changes necessary for the Back Creek Church Road crossing?
Safety is the primary purpose for making these improvements at Back Creek Church Road-that includes the safety of motorists, rail passengers, and train crews. Continued development and increased traffic necessitate the need to widen the roadway and improve the traffic flow at this intersection.
In 1997, 3,500 vehicles used this crossing daily. Three years later that number increased to 8,600 vehicles per day, an annual increase of almost 49% a year. Average daily traffic counts taken in May 2002 yielded 10,160 vehicles crossing the tracks at Back Creek Church Road. Traffic counts taken in October 2005 yielded an average daily traffic count of 14,000 vehicles. Train traffic along the railroad has also increased 62% over the last 10 years.
How will wider lanes and the addition of turn lanes improve the safety of this intersection?
At peak hours, traffic has queued up over the crossing. The addition of dual left turn lanes will allow additional capacity for motorists heading towards Charlotte on NC 49. Motorists have been observed trying to maneuver around other vehicles and have become "stuck" on the tracks. A few years ago, a median separator was installed, but due to the relatively narrow lanes and a crossing width of just 22 feet, the median separator is frequently struck by passing vehicles.
How many trains use this crossing?
55 trains (49 freight and six passenger trains) travel through the Back Creek Church intersection daily. Passenger trains can travel at maximum authorized speeds of 79mph, while freight trains may travel at speeds of 69mph along this main line.
How much will all of this cost?
The cost estimate for these crossing safety improvements is $1.1 million. Mecklenburg County has collected $115,000 from area developers to be allocated for improvements at the Back Creek Church Road/NC 49 intersection. Federal funding will cover the remainder.
What's the next step for this project?
Gannett Fleming, an engineering consultant firm, is working with the NCDOT Rail Division on 90% roadway design plans. The Charlotte Department of Transportation has designed necessary traffic signal revisions at the Back Creek Church Road/NC 49 intersection. Because some properties may require condemnation by NCDOT, a study of possible environmental impacts may be required. Acquisition of necessary right-of-way and temporary construction easements is underway by the Division 10 Right of Way Office in Albemarle. Norfolk Southern has completed design of the new railroad signals, gates and cantilevers. Currently construction is scheduled to be completed by 2009.
What other improvements were recommended for Charlotte?
In 1997 Gannett Fleming conducted a comprehensive engineering evaluation for the NCDOT, the findings of which became the basis for the Charlotte Traffic Separation Study. Eight public street crossings between Back Creek Church Road and 36th Street were identified as candidates for closure or improvements. Automatic warning devices (gates and flashers) have been upgraded at 36th Street and Newell-Hickory Grove Road. The crossing at Rocky River Road, which was severely humped, has been closed and removed. Additional improvements at Newell-Hickory Grove Road include a southbound left-turn lane on Old Concord Road and the crossing at McLean Road will also be improved. \
Who can answer additional questions about this project?
Robert Pressley, PE of Gannet Fleming has been assigned to manage this project by NCDOT. He may be contacted at (704) 375-2438 or rpressley@gfnet.com.
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