Apex Opens Second Dynamic Left Turn Intersection, Aims To Cut Delays

Apex added a new traffic control configuration on December 18, 2025 when the town activated a Dynamic Left Turn intersection at Kelly Road and the US 64 eastbound ramp. The installation is the second of its kind in the United States and uses overhead lane signals to close the rightmost left turn lane during lower volume periods while allowing both left turn lanes to operate during peak travel times. The design is intended to shorten travel times for motorists and reduce emissions by improving the overall flow through the intersection.

The Regional Transportation Alliance, which announced the opening, framed the installation as an operational response to variable demand and cited expected travel time and emissions benefits. The announcement followed an earlier pilot in Cary that began in 2020, giving local planners an initial case study to review. The RTA posted additional technical details on its website letsgetmoving.org on December 18, 2025, including information about how overhead signals will indicate which left lane is active at any given moment.

For Wake County commuters the change may alter turning behavior during off peak and peak hours, and could shift traffic patterns on adjacent streets. The intersection will require continuing monitoring by traffic engineers to track travel time, queue lengths, crash rates, and emission outcomes. Clear signage and public information will be important in the coming weeks as drivers adapt to the variable lane configuration.

Policy and institutional implications extend beyond a single intersection. Municipal and county transportation officials will need to evaluate whether dynamic lane management yields measurable benefits before recommending wider adoption. Budget decisions, prioritization of road projects, and public reporting practices should reflect the performance data collected during the Apex trial. As the practice spreads, elected officials and transportation agencies will face choices about scaling adaptive traffic tools while ensuring transparency, safety, and equitable access for all road users.