NC DOT said new signs are to make sure drivers stay safe

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There are new signs on the ramp from I-485 to I-77 North in Charlotte after Eyewitness News asked the North Carolina Department of Transportation about frequent tractor trailer crashes.

The NC DOT said the new signs are to make sure drivers stay safe. Monday, our cameras were there as workers started the project of putting up $10,000 worth of new signs at the ramp many call dangerous.

After the last crash, Eyewitness News questioned the DOT about it.

They conducted a study. Based on the result so far, DOT workers told us research proved new signs will work.

The signs are already like ones that exist on 85 and 77, except the new signs are twice the size.

The Department of Transportation said the new signs are only a temporary quick fix until the next project, which will include lane improvements, and other sign changes can be funded in January.

According to the DOT, from June 9, 2009, to April 30, 2012, there have been a total of 26 crashes on that ramp, three were roll overs, one was a jackknife and more than a dozen others were fixed objects or drivers who ran off the road.

Drivers we spoke to said they've experienced a traffic delay at that ramp and said they hope the new signs will work

"I'm always amazed at how many trucks tip over on those exit ramps you'd think they'd slow down," said Steve Scruggs.

Advanced warning signs at the curb have been replaced with signs that show arrows, signaling the sharp curb.

There are also others signs that show a truck tipping on its side. The Department of Transportation said if the new signs don't work this is just the first step of the solution.

WSOC