Removal of U.S. 258 stoplight on hold

On the eve of the planned removal of a U.S. 258 stoplight, the state has granted a stay of execution.

The traffic signal in front of Piggly Wiggly on U.S. 258 was targeted by the N.C. Department of Transportation for removal because it did not meet federal standards, said Dan Cumbo, a traffic engineer with the DOT.

But now the DOT has decided to take another look.

"Due to the overwhelming public concern and publicity the stoplight's removal garnered, the Traffic Office in Raleigh wants to do a second test," Cumbo said.

The DOT first traffic tested the light in October and determined it interfered with traffic flow on N.C. 24 and 53. The light was placed in blinking mode Nov. 4. A stoplight must be in blinking mode for a 30-day minimum before it can be removed, according to state law.

Preston Taylor, the owner of the U.S. 258 Piggly Wiggly, said he hand-delivered to the DOT a petition with more than 3,000 signatures in support of the stoplight staying put.

"I think it is wonderful," Taylor said Wednesday. "This is not about my business, this is about safety. People will still shop here if the light comes out, but it would be unsafe."

Former state Sen. Tommy Pollard said he is glad to see the state take a second look at the stoplight.

"If the light stays I will feel vindicated after 20 years," Pollard said.

The N.C. Attorney General's Office investigated whether Pollard, a member of the N.C. Board of Transportation and owner of the grocery store at the time the light was installed, acted illegally.

Pollard was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing in connection to the installment of the stoplight, but the light has been an albatross around his political neck for two decades.

"The light is about safety for our citizens," Pollard said Wednesday.

Since Nov. 4, there have been three wrecks on U.S. 258 at the blinking light, according to the N.C. State Highway Patrol.

Earlier this year, the state spent about $40,000 making upgrades to the stoplight including adding motion sensors, according to the DOT. Supporters of the light remaining in place questioned why the DOT would spend money on it just to take it down a few months later.

Cumbo estimated it would be four to six weeks before a decision is made. The light will remain in blinking mode until a final decision is reached.

Contact crime reporter Lindell Kay at 910-219-8456. Read Lindell's blog at http://onslowcrime.encblogs.com.