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Welcome to our annual “Answer Your Questions” episode! Each year we’ll ask you what you’d like to know regarding transit and transportation around Raleigh and then get those answers.
UPDATES
- The big I-40 Fortify project is almost done! Sean at the DOT tells me where they are just wrapping up the cleanup, vegetation establishment — which is government code for planting trees and shrubs — and making some quick fixes for final inspection.
- Just a bit down from that, though, they are widening I-40 from I-440 and US 64 to just north of Cornwallis Road. This project includes improvements to NC 42 and Cleveland Road and Rock Quarry Road from Olde Birch Road to Sunnybrook Road in Raleigh. That section has just begun its first traffic shifts to prepare for construction so keep an eye out if you use that area.
- About the Project: The state plans to add two lanes in each direction to a nearly 12-mile stretch of I-40 between the merge with I-440 on the south side of Raleigh and N.C. 42 in Johnston County. The project will also redesign the I-40 interchange with N.C. 42 in Johnston County, with a new ramp alignment and traffic pattern. The expanded interchange is expected to alleviate heavy traffic conditions that currently exist at the exit.
- The controversial I-440 widening project was recently awarded and the engineers expect that project to begin sometime in the spring of 2019.
- The Capital Boulevard bridge replacements project is movingly steadily and no doubt you’ve noticed that the flyover bridge over Wade is now open! Yay! According to a recent press release, “One long-term closure does remain in place as work continues on the new flyover ramp from eastbound Wade Avenue to northbound Capital Boulevard. That is expected to open in 2019.” Expect a few more short-term closures here and there, too, while they keep going.
- We did a quick bikeshare update not long ago, but by now many of you have seen those bike stations installed around town. Fontaine told us all the stations must be installed before they roll out the bikes, and according to some conversations on Twitter, it looks like we’ll see those in January.
- And for you scooter fans out there, it looks like the restrictions went into place. I don’t have that confirmed from any official source, but there are certainly far fewer on the street.
Questions We Answer in this Episode
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Photo by GoRaleigh Why are local bus systems going with CNG buses instead of electric buses? I know they are getting one electric bus as a pilot, but are mainly going with CNG right now as the green improvement of choice. What are the pros and cons of each?
- If I have ideas on how to improve the cycling infrastructure in small ways that I think would make it more comfortable to ride, how could I effectively bring that up to the city?
- What is the status of the West Street tunnel extension project?
- How are yellow lights timed?
LINKS
A New Raleigh Tunnel Would Carry Downtown Traffic Under the Railroad Tracks – News & Observer, Feb. 28, 2018
City of Raleigh West Street Extension Project Page
The West Street Extension Explained – The Raleigh Connoisseur, March 13, 2013 (Note the date: The City has been discussing this idea for decades, literally.)