The developer, Hendon Properties initiated a project to build a multi-use commercial development off US 421(Carolina Beach Road) in Wilmington, NC (at Monkey Junction, a highly commercialized corridor).  The existing site was occupied by an older, mostly vacant retail site, which was demolished to make room for the new development.  The site plan consisted of a home improvement superstore (Home Depot), retail, general office, two quality restaurants, and a high turn-over restaurant.  The site proposed to use three existing access points on US-421 (two right-in/right-out and one full access point); and two access points on Piner Road (one right-in/right-out and one full access point).



NCDOT required a traffic impact analysis (TIA) to determine the effect of this proposed development.  Davenport Transportation Consulting (DTC, formerly JDE) was contacted by the developer to provide the TIA.  DTC then provided roadway design, traffic signal design, and signal system timing services for the roadway improvements identified by the TIA.

As a part of the design, a superstreet concept was utilized on US 421 (Carolina Beach Road) as an innovative approach to improving safety and efficiency of this major corridor, while at the same time addressing right-of-way constraints that had prevented the use of more traditional roadway improvements. The superstreet design also incorporated an emergency vehicle crossing with emergency vehicle preemption signal operation for the Myrtle Grove Fire Department station.

The superstreet design concept can be used when addressing major at-grade intersection capacity challenges.  The superstreet configuration is a unique improvement that effectively adds capacity at intersections by restricting cars left turning movements as well as through movements from cross streets.  These vehicular turning movements are re-routed to make a right turn onto the major street and then to a downstream U-turn location typically 800-1000 feet away.  The superstreet can provide an interim solution to provide acceptable levels of service on roadways in lieu of an interchange.