Kinston considers removing Queen Street traffic lights to ease congestion
A new proposal to remove traffic lights at three intersections along Queen Street at Caswell, Gordon, and North Streets will be presented at the Kinston City Council meeting Tuesday night. The NCDOT initiative aims to improve the flow of traffic on one of the city's main thoroughfares, amid noticeable changes in downtown activity.
Stop signs would be placed at the side streets. The proposal has already been approved by the Lenoir County Commissioners at their most recent meeting.
A local business owner only learned of the proposal this weekend, and he disagrees with NCDOT’s assessment.
“The NCDOT should wait and study the pedestrian traffic with the new businesses downtown,” said Manhattan Cigar Lounge owner Nicholas Harvey II. “Existing businesses, such as Little Union Academy for Martial Arts, and new businesses like Inflatable World will bring young people downtown. People already speed down Queen Street with the existing traffic lights. If you remove them, I’d hate to see how fast people drive.”
Currently, the traffic signals at these intersections grant 45 seconds of green light to vehicles traveling on Queen Street, while side street traffic receives only 18 seconds. This timing, initially designed to accommodate heavier pedestrian traffic and busier commercial activity, now seems disproportionate given the reduction in both.
“We have worked very hard to bring businesses and pedestrians downtown through our revitalization efforts,” said Downtown Kinston Revitalization Executive Director Leon Steele. “This is a dangerous move and goes against what we’ve been working toward.”
NCDOT has conducted thorough sight distance assessments to ensure clear views from side streets, confirming that visibility meets required standards. High-visibility crosswalks at these intersections will remain in place to safeguard pedestrians, even with the potential removal of traffic signals.
The next step of this proposal involves a discussion at the upcoming Kinston City Council meeting, scheduled for Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at the town hall.
Mayor Pro Tem Antonio Hardy is not in favor of the proposal.
“Personally, I think it’s a major mistake,” said Hardy. “I think for safety reasons, we should keep them in.”
The upcoming City Council meeting will provide a platform for residents and officials to voice their opinions and concerns. The outcome of this meeting will play a critical role in determining whether the traffic lights at Queen Street’s intersections with Caswell, Gordon, and North Streets will stay or go.
City Council member Felicia Solomon also has concerns.
“At this point right now, I’m not for this proposal,” said Solomon. “I have a lot of reservations and concerns. It’s important to ensure the safety of pedestrians.”
Should the City Council approve the initiative, a resolution will be forwarded to the NCDOT, which holds the final authority over the removal of traffic signals.
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