Safe Turning Restriction Implemented in Jackson County

**Editor's Note** A number of hydroplaning accidents have occurred at and near this location just west of Dillsboro, NC over the past few years, some of them leading to very serious injuries.

PRESS RELEASE (12-15-2023) NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

 Safe Turning Restriction Implemented in Jackson County

NCDOT engineers continue examining U.S. 74/441

WHITTIER – N.C. Department of Transportation officials recently installed a new traffic pattern on U.S. 74/441 at Bradley Branch Road due to excessive water ponding issues in the center turn lane.

All cross-over turning movements are now prohibited by reflective bollards. 

Local NCDOT engineers are exploring temporary and long-term solutions to provide local residents with safe and convenient access from U.S. 74/441 — including the possibility of re-opening the cross-over.
 
“Safety is the top priority for the us, and recent conditions have proven not to be up to our high standards,” NCDOT District Engineer Chris Lee said. “We understand this will temporarily inconvenience some drivers in Jackson County. We are looking at ways to improve safety and traffic flow at locations along the highway.”

Currently, traffic from Bradley Branch Road must turn right onto U.S. 74/441 West and use turnaround opportunities if needed to drive east. Eastbound traffic desiring Bradley Branch as a destination must continue to east to a turnaround spot. The designated turnaround locations have been posted with new signage indicating locations and type of vehicles that can be accommodated. 

NCDOT is currently investigating opportunities to improve drainage at Bradley Branch Road in an effort to safely reopen the eastbound left-turn lane in the spring.

Additionally, a new pattern to improve safety will be installed in the coming weeks on U.S. 74/441 at the Wilmont Road intersection to prevent left-turns from Wilmont Road onto U.S. 74/441 West. This improved pattern will use reflective bollards with new pavement markings to indicate the permitted movements, including. 

NCDOT plans to install this new pattern in the coming weeks so drivers should pay close attention for work zone lane closures that may cause minor traffic delays.