Traffic significantly better after cone explanation for Hampstead shuttle

HAMPSTEAD, NC (WWAY) — Some good news for drivers who were stuck in Wells Fargo Championship traffic yesterday in Hampstead.

This morning, things were much better on Highway 17 in Pender County. That comes after some explanation from the Pender County Sheriff’s Office yesterday on how the cones work near the shuttle parking lot.

On Highway 17, look for cones separating two lanes at the parking lot where the spot festival usually is held. Deputies say the right lane is open for all travelers despite some confusion Monday morning. Yesterday, drivers were trying to merge into the left lane and that might have been part of the tie-ups.

Diane Loschiavo said she was late getting to her business on 17 yesterday, but today she and her employees were early.

“Traffic was great today,” Loschiavo said. “I left early, got here half an hour early and the girls did the same so now I owe them money.

Deputies want to remind you that you can use both lanes on Highway 17 all the way through Hampstead all week. A spokesman with the Pender County Sheriff’s Office said the cones are just there to warn drivers to slow down near the event parking.

You can drive in the right lane even if you are not going into the shuttle parking lot.