Vertex Rail Industries explores new traffic options

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Last night the Wilmington city council decided not to approve the DOT’s proposal for a cut through near Vance St. to help with traffic caused by the opening of Vertex Rail Industries in May.

Vertex will be bringing about 1,300 jobs to the area. That will mean much more traffic on Raleigh St. and Carolina Beach Rd., unless a cut through is created to alleviate some of that traffic.

The DOT suggested Vance St. because it would be the least expensive project to complete, but many were concerned about the neighborhood attached to the street. Vertex CEO, Don Croteau, said the company agrees with those worries, and that Vance St. was not their first choice either.

“From the very beginning we said now wait a minute, that’s a community, that’s people who live there. There are homes there and families and kids on the streets. And that wasn’t the most ideal choice for us. It was one. But it wasn’t the only one,” said Croteau.

Croteau said the company will continue to explore their options in regards to traffic. They are looking into options to the south of the Vertex property near Sunnyvale and River Rds.

Croteau said this will not effect the future plans of Vertex and things are still on schedule to open up in May.