Beginning next week, motorists in China Grove will be able to drive right through two intersections that have historically had four-way stops.
The changes will take place early next week at Bostian and John streets and at North Franklin and Park streets.
The town board recently approved the change, saying it would not affect the safety of motorists.
Motorists will be able to continue through at Bostian Street and Franklin streets, but must continue to stop at John and Park streets.
Police Chief Eddie Kluttz conducted a traffic study and found that the four-way stops at those intersections weren’t necessary.
The speed limit is 25 mph approaching North Franklin and Park streets and 25 mph near China Grove Elementary School on South Franklin Street.
Town Manager Ken Deal said this change has been something the board has looked at in the past and recently looked at eliminating the four-way stops.
He estimates the stops have been four-way for at least a decade. The Franklin and Park street stops cut through a residential neighborhood where traffic is not heavy.
Public Works Director David Ketner said towns usually notify residents when a stop goes from two-way to four-way, but there’s never really a warning of the reverse.
He expects the stops signs will be removed by Wednesday, along with the stop ahead warning signs.
No vehicles have crashed at these intersections recently, town officials say.

Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.