People are invited to attend an open house this month to learn about plans to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety at an intersection near Pinehurst Golf Course No. 1.

The N.C. Department of Transportation plans to add or extend turn lanes at N.C. 5 (Beulah Hill Road) and Morganton Road to improve traffic operations.

As part of the proposal, the department will relocate the striped crossing used by golf course maintenance vehicles farther east, and install pedestrian hybrid beacon traffic-control devices in both directions at the relocated crossing on Morganton Road.

A pedestrian hybrid beacon is used at locations without traffic signals; it is activated automatically when a golf cart or maintenance vehicle approaches the crossing, or manually when a person pushes the button on the beacon pole. The beacon then alerts drivers someone is waiting to safely cross the road.

The open house will be 5-7 p.m. on Nov. 13 at Pinehurst Elementary School, 100 Dundee Road. People may drop in and view the design map, ask the project team questions and submit feedback about the proposed improvements.

The department is accepting comments on the design through Dec. 8. They may be sent to nc5-morgantonrd-pinehurst@publicinput.com; or by calling 512-580-8850, enter code 11775, and leaving a message. Alternatively, people may send comments on the public input site for the project.

Individuals who need accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact Aleksandra Djurkovic at 1598 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1598; 919-707-6024; or andjurkovic@ncdot.gov as early as possible so arrangements can be made. 

People who do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior by calling 1-800-481-6494.