As I mentioned last month, there has been saturation enforcement (by the Highway Patrol, Union County Sheriff’s Department, and other participating law enforcement agencies) on Hwy 218.  In the month of April, Union County deputies made 61 stops on Hwy 218.  In May, the deputies made 236 stops.  Deputies are on Hwy 218 every day making stops.

There is also a “Road Safety Audit” being done on the eastern end of Hwy 218.  NCDOT is doing an in-house audit from Mint Hill to Hwy 205.    Five year crash data is being analyzed to see what additional actions can be taken.  Current planned and funded improvements include:

    ** 3 roundabouts that currently are being designed:

• Hwy 218 and Hwy 205:$1,100,000, construction in Fall 2019
• Hwy 218 and Hwy 200:$1,020,000, construction in Summer 2020
• Hwy 218 and Mill Grove:$1,000,000, construction in Summer 2019

Hwy 218 and Ashley Glen Drive:  Install left turn lane $550,000, submitted for funding.

Hwy 218 and Sikes Mill Road:  Roundabout - plans are to submit for funding at the next NCDOT turn-in in August.

Here are some of the crash statistics over the past 5 years:

• Almost 20% occurred on wet roads
• Alcohol was involved in 4%
• Striking an animal accounted for 12%
• Lane departure accounted for 42%
• Drivers that were not wearing a seat belt accounted for 4%
• Speed was involved in 10%
• Accidents involving large trucks or tractor trailers accounted for 10%

The highest number of crashes occurred in October; next highest November; next highest December, then March, then July then June.

The highest number of crashes occurred on Monday, next highest Thursday, then Friday, then Tuesday, then Wednesday, then Saturday, then Sunday.

 I will continue to be in contact with the Sheriff’s Department and NCDOT.

As always, feel free to contact me at Pthomas@fairviewnc.gov

Phil Thomas

Mayor