US 117 at SR 1209 (independence boulevard) intersection in wilmington. Upgrade traffic signal and install signalized pedestrian crossing and pavement

The Federal Highway Administration awarded the North Carolina Department of Transportation $136,000 under the Highway Safety Improvement Program on November 7, 2025, to upgrade the traffic signal and install signalized pedestrian crossing infrastructure at the intersection of US 117 (Shipyard Boulevard) and SR 1209 (Independence Boulevard) in Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina.

The project will upgrade the existing traffic signal and install a signalized pedestrian crossing with crosswalk, leading pedestrian interval, accessible pedestrian signals, additional flashing yellow arrows, additional near-side and primary signal heads, pedestrian signage, and updated pavement markings. US 117 is a four-lane divided highway with a 45 mph speed limit; SR 1209 is similarly configured. A multi-use path (Cross City Trail) runs on the east side of SR 1209. The intersection experiences a pattern of frontal impact crashes, red light running, and rear-end collisions. The improvements aim to reduce crashes and injuries at this location through enhanced signalization and pedestrian accommodation.

Performance of work is in North Carolina, with an ultimate completion date of November 30, 2031. The assistance type is a formula grant.

Project description

US 117 at SR 1209 (independence boulevard) intersection in wilmington. Upgrade traffic signal and install signalized pedestrian crossing and pavement markings. At the intersection of US 117 (shipyard boulevard) at SR 1209 (independence boulevard) in new hanover county. Upgrade traffic signal. Install signalized pedestrian crossing and crosswalk, leading pedestrian interval, accessible pedestrian signals, additional flashing yellow arrows, additional near side signal heads, additional primary signal head, pedestrian signage, and update pavement markings. US 117 is a 4-lane divided highway (divided by a concrete median) with some curb and gutter and some shoulder section, with a speed limit of 45 MPH. SR 1209 is a 4-lane divided highway (divided by a concrete median) curb and gutter section with a speed limit of 45 MPH. There is an existing multi-use path (cross city trail) on the east side of SR 1209 that runs north and south. US 117 has back plates, east and west bound. There is a marked crosswalk for the north / south multi-use path. There is a pattern of frontal impact crashes at this intersection, including red light running and rear end crashes. The purpose of this project is to improve the signalization and pedestrian accommodation at this intersection to reduce the number of crashes and injuries occurring at this location.