Drivers in Union County say they’ll avoid dangerous intersection until it’s safer

MONROE, N.C. — Drivers in Union County said they’re avoiding an intersection they said is dangerous until something is done about it.

Skyway Drive at East Avenue in Monroe is where many crashes have occurred.

Channel 9 checked and found that Monroe police have responded to 48 crashes since last January. Some passengers suffered serious injuries.

“To me, it’s one of the most dangerous intersections in Union County, in the city of Monroe,” said resident Oscar Outen.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation began community meetings in 2017 to make it safer. It had plans to put in a roundabout and replace the bridge on Skyway with an off-site detour.

Bidding for the project was supposed to begin in November 2019, but due to a statewide shortage of funds for projects, NCDOT said the project is now scheduled for 2024.

'It’s depressing, because you have to deal with this daily and it’s not going to get any better," said resident Simone Sowell.

Family members want changes made to dangerous road where driver was killed Family members want changes made to dangerous road where driver was killed

Neighbors hope officials will consider some other temporary safety measures until there’s a permanent solution.

Monroe residents said they have also reached out to the city of Monroe and Union County commissioners, hoping for some help to make the area safer.

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