Topsail Beach, NC — The Towns of Surf City and Topsail Beach are partnering on a seasonal traffic management program designed to improve traffic flow, enhance public safety, and maintain emergency vehicle access during peak summer travel periods.
Beginning on Saturday, June 27, 2026, traffic management personnel will be deployed at key impacted intersections along NC 50 and NC 210.
Collectively, these locations routinely experience significant congestion during weekends and holiday periods as residents and visitors travel to and from Topsail Island.
The program will provide active traffic management, with coordinated efforts with town staff and emergency responders, for traffic monitoring and incident reporting. Personnel will work to improve vehicle movement through the intersections while documenting traffic conditions and operational challenges.
Operations are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays with expanded coverage during major holiday weekends, including the Fourth of July.
In addition to improving traffic operations, the initiative will collect data that local leaders and transportation partners can use to evaluate its effectiveness and suggestions for future transportation improvements and long-term congestion mitigation strategies.
"As a coastal community and a popular summer destination, we understand that increased traffic is a natural part of our seasonal success," said Teresa B. Batts, Surf City Mayor. "This partnership allows us to take proactive steps in seeking to improve traffic flow while gathering valuable information that will help guide future transportation decisions. By working together, Surf City and Topsail Beach can better serve residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the summer season."
Surf City and Topsail Beach will each contribute $30,000 toward the initiative, for a total program investment of $60,000.
Town officials will monitor operational data and traffic conditions throughout the operation to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and identify opportunities for future improvements.