TRANSPORTATION

BY MANDY HOWARD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL MASCIA/DRONE A.I.R.

Amidst the fear and uncertainty the lockdown brought, many agree there was one tiny positive blip: a marked decrease in traffic. The return to a normal way of life is very welcome, but also reminds those who live in the Triangle that, in many places, most of our roads were not created for the current population.

State and local officials have been planning updates and upgrades for years, but no one predicted how a pandemic could affect the labor market, nor could they have planned for the meteoric rise in property values.

For example, when a 2017 transportation bond was passed in Raleigh, the budget included accommodations for steady growth in property values and inflation. However, as City of Raleigh Senior Engineer in Roadway Design and Construction Chad Cantrell says, “Inflation is through the roof and this is a hot place to live. As we got to the end of these bond projects, there just wasn’t sufficient money to cover all [the projects on the bond] through construction.”

That is a common refrain for projects that are being funded on a local level. When it comes to statewide projects, for which funding is a little more predictable, there are also challenges. “Like every other industry, our contractors are being challenged by the labor market and there are supply chain issues,” says Marty Homan, communications manager for the North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles.

So while there may be headlines about expanding budgets and delayed timelines, and we’ll likely all start telling jokes about the state bird being the crane and the state flower being the blossoming orange cone, it’s important to look to the future. “I can’t stress enough how important having good transportation infrastructure is,” Homan says. “The region is growing tremendously, and we need the infrastructure in place to get people where they need to go.”

Here’s a quick look at some major projects happening now.

Where: I-440 Beltline between Walnut Street and Wade Avenue. Why: Built in the 1960s, this was the first section of the beltline to be built, and is the last to be widened. According to the NCDOT, it claims nearly triple the statewide crash rate for similar facilities. This project will improve safety and provide much-needed updates to this segment of the highly used loop. What: The road will be widened to six lanes, interchanges will be upgraded and all bridges will be replaced. When: The original finish date was 2023, but due to supply and labor issues the completion date has been pushed back to October 2024. At this time, you can see the beginning of a massive flyover, or high-level overpass, that will carry Wade Avenue over the beltline.

Where: Intersection of Hillsborough Street, Beryl Road and Blue Ridge Road at the State Fairgrounds. Why: To improve traffic flow and reduce train-related conflicts with vehicles and pedestrians. What: A bridge will be built for Hillsborough Street and the nearby railroad tracks so that Blue Ridge Road will travel, unimpeded, underneath Hillsborough Street and Beryl Road. No longer an intersection, a “jug handle” interchange will be built for travelers on Blue Ridge Road to access Hillsborough Street. The intersection will be closed for the entirety of the construction phase. When: Construction will begin when the annual North Carolina State Fair ends in 2022, and the interchange will open in just under two years, prior to the state fair in October 2024.

Where: Midtown Raleigh; Six Forks Road from Rowan Street to Lynn Road. Why: Increased traffic has created a demand to improve mobility and safety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. What: The road will be expanded to three lanes of travel in each direction; sidewalks will be installed on both sides; and a separated, curbed bike lane will be created. When: While the project was originally funded by the 2017 transportation bond, increased real estate prices (to achieve the necessary expansions) created a need for further funding. If local funding is approved, the estimated start date is 2023. That start will be pushed back approximately one year if federal grants are needed.

Where: Atlantic Avenue in Raleigh, from New Hope Church Road to Highwoods Boulevard. Why: An analysis flagged this section of Atlantic Avenue as a safety risk, so the stated goal is to improve visibility and create safer intersections. What: Medians are being installed, and the intersection of Ingram Drive and Atlantic Avenue will be raised to offer increased visibility. When: Construction started in March and is anticipated to be completed in March of 2024.

Where: This project will be contracted and developed in three different stages. The first one, happening now, takes I-540 from the N.C. 55 Bypass to U.S 401 (near Ten Ten Road). Why: Also known as the Southeast Extension project, the goal is to complete the I-540 loop. This will improve travel for and to southern Wake communities, as well as ease congestion on nearby roads, including I-440, I-40, N.C. 42, N.C. 55 and Ten Ten Road. What: New roadways, bridges and interchanges are being built. When: The first phase, connecting the N.C. 55 bypass to U.S. 401, is under construction now. It’s set to open in 2024.

By Mandy Howard

The Midtown Raleigh Alliance unveiled new street banners in June to encourage residents and visitors to explore one of the fastest-growing destinations in the country: Midtown Raleigh. The banners, designed by local artist Chris Young, feature bold colors and geometric patterns created to inspire people to get out of their cars and explore the area.

Young’s partnership with the MRA, though, started long before the banners project. As a bank executive for First Citizens Bank—the cool round building at Six Forks and Lassiter Mill roads—Young was a founding member of the MRA board. She continued to serve on the board for six years and was chair for one year. “If you’re going to invest time and energy into making your community a better place, it’s cool to start where you spend a lot of time,” she says, adding that she was continually inspired by the vitality of her workplace. “I was surrounded by interesting architecture, beautiful artwork and, of course, all the energy and growth that happened in Midtown while I was there.”

While still in the midst of her 18-year career with First Citizens Bank, Young began painting as a hobby. She only became a professional artist, she laughs, “when I realized people wanted to buy my art.”

Young retired from First Citizens Bank last summer and is currently focused on two goals: creating art and giving back to her community. This project allowed her to do both.

Tara Robbins, executive director of the MRA, said Young was the perfect choice for this year’s banner creation for three reasons. First, she is a talented artist whose work continues to be showcased with growing frequency throughout the Triangle. Second, it was an opportunity to pay tribute to a founding member of MRA. Third, Young dedicates the proceeds of her art to local organizations that help children and families. Her earnings from these banners will be given to the YMCA of the Triangle. As a working mom, Young says her family took advantage of after-school programs and camps the YMCA provided. She hopes that by donating these proceeds for scholarships, other families will be able to benefit from the same programming. Young also hopes the art itself will, in a way, give back to the community. “I hope these banners will spark a positive feeling. I also hope they will inspire people to get outside,” she says. “If you’re driving by you’ll stop and explore, whether you live there, work there or are just passing through.