MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Anyone who commutes to and from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune knows it can be a long and treacherous morning or afternoon when it comes to being stuck in base traffic, and often times trying to merge with the rest of traffic can be a scary task.
Those who travel northbound on Piney Green Road to get home at the end of the night can let out a sigh of relief as the MCB Camp Lejeune Public Works Division and the Provost Marshal’s Office do their best to create safer driving conditions and ease traffic flow out of the Piney Green Gate.
When the Piney Green Gate was constructed, it was designed with two lanes leading out of the gate which eventually merge into one lane on the north side of the intersection. But for now, until the Piney Green Road in Jacksonville gets converted into four lanes of traffic, the second lane leading out of the gate will be striped off to reduce traffic mishaps and unsafe driving habits.
This will allow for a less congested intersection and reduce the possibility of accidents in the area.
“We went out last weekend to help the issue by taking one lane out of operation,” said Cmdr. John Carson, the commander for Civil Engineer Corps, Public Works Division, MCB Camp Lejeune. “We want to make sure our traffic is merged early enough, so the last-minute merging doesn’t happen (in Jacksonville).”
Now that the striping is in place, motorist shouldn’t run into any problems traveling northbound on Piney Green Road.
Lt. Col. Robert T. Stanford, the MCB Camp Lejeune provost marshal, is working with the North Carolina Highway Patrol to direct much needed attention to the intersection.
Drivers are reminded to be careful and patient when nearing the Piney Green – Highway 24 intersection, as it will be heavily regulated by both PMO and Highway Patrol.
Construction of the Piney Green Road in Jacksonville is scheduled to be completed in two years. Until then, the striping will remain in place.