Task force to decide barrier options

The Department of Transportation have put up median barriers along I-40 in Pender County, to keep drivers from making illegal u-turns. The yellow poles are designed to deter drivers from crossing the median.

Emergency crews can drive over them but have been worried about the safety of driving over the metal stub that holds the pole in place. They met with members of the DOT last night to express those concerns and discuss other barrier options.

County Commissioners called last night’s meeting to discuss other barrier options. They agreed to form a joint task force to design another median barrier that would allow emergency crews to cross over safely.

The DOT says it will take a month for the task force to come up with a new design for the median barriers.