Major Implications for Downtown
Key streets could be permanently closed.
BE SURE TO ATTEND THE PUBLIC HEARING TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE IMPLICATIONS FOR DOWNTOWN! JULY 26TH, 7:00 – 9:00 PM, RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER
Our DLA Recommendations:
- Downtown-wide quiet zones at all rail crossings
- Trains entering/exiting Downtown to travel along west side of Capital Boulevard (Norfolk Southern Tracks)
- Tunneling the tracks at Jones Street and parallel to Glenwood South, so as to permit Jones Street to remain open
Raleigh’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan recognizes the importance of developing urban centers as a critical element for the sustainable growth of our city, identifying street connectivity, pedestrian and bicycle access as specific needs to be addressed.
In alignment with these objectives, the Downtown Living Advocates (formed to encourage continued growth of the Downtown residential community), supports the expansion of the public transport network in Raleigh, as well as connecting Raleigh to other cities along U.S. rail corridors by way of passenger rail. Plans for the new Southeastern High Speed Rail (SEHSR) connection to Raleigh provide an important choice between alternative train pathways through our Downtown area, a decision that could have a significant impact on our Downtown’s livability far into the future.
Street connectivity and pedestrian and bicycle accessibility must be maintained throughout the Downtown, particularly in the areas of West, Harrington and Jones Streets, which serve as key connections between the mixed use developments of Glenwood South and the Capital District. This is an important opportunity for Downtown residents and our city government to join together in support of the train pathway that best protects and fosters mobility and accessibility across our Downtown neighborhoods.
A draft environmental impact statement has been prepared that lays out the various alternatives for the SEHSR project corridor. Each alternative calls for key Downtown streets to be closed or bridged – see chart below.
Click map thumbnails below to see a full size view of the transit alternatives
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NC1/NC2 alignment (CSX) NC3 alignment (NS)
Given the present alternatives, the DLA strongly recommends that high speed passenger trains follow the Norfolk Southern tracks north from Jones Street along the west side of Capital Boulevard (alignment NC3), and is strongly opposed to the alternative that the trains travel along the east side of Capital Boulevard, using the CSX tracks (alignment NC1/NC2).
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Norfolk Southern Tracks (Recommended) |
CSX Tracks (Not Recommended) |
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Keeps key North-South streets of West and Harrington open to vehicle traffic. |
Permanently closes West and Harrington Streets to all vehicle traffic. |
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Avoids the need for a bridge that spans four city blocks over the highly populated and commercially active area of Glenwood South. |
Requires a vehicle bridge over Jones Street that would negatively impact pedestrian and commercial activity in the area. |
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Allows for a pedestrian bridge or underpass to be installed to maintain existing access along Jones Street. |
Without a separate walkway, pedestrians would be inconvenienced with having to walk over a 25-foot high vehicle bridge. |
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Completes Downtown-wide ‘quiet zone” with installation of Four-quadrant gates at existing train crossings at West and Harrington Streets. |
Not applicable, as West and Harrington Streets grade-level crossing would be permanently closed to vehicle traffic. |
The DLA encourages all residents of Downtown Raleigh to attend the public hearing on July 26th. The public comment period is scheduled to end on August 30th, and can provide your inputs on this important issue to the SEHSR website.
A new alternative plan may be considered that would bring good changes to the NC1 & NC2 alignment. By relocating the CSX tracks about 600 feet to the north in the vicinity of West and Harrington Streets, these streets would be naturally grade separated (no need to lower the streets) under a railroad viaduct. The railroad tracks would have a similar elevation to the existing tracks. The viaduct would be relatively short, 1200 feet, and would begin at North Street and end east of Capital Blvd.
Jones Street must be closed, but maybe pedestrian connections at Lane Street, and between Edenton & Jones Street would make good replacement connections to Glenwood South.
This change of plans (if brought about) would make the NC1 & NC2 route a good choice for maintaining connectivity and would help to restore the Historic Christmas street plan in this corner of downtown. It would seem to meet all of your goals stated in your recommendations.
Terry, would like to see a map with your proposed changes. If I understand correctly, your proposing elevated tracks running on the north side of the West condo building, and through a prime redevelopment area of Glenwwood South. Please send additional information to admin@raleighdla.com.
I attended the public hearing last night ( Aug 31) and was disappointed that no one from DLA was there speaking on behalf of the downtown residents. The 5 Points neighborhoods were well organized and out in force, all opposing NC3. Their speakers outnumbered those who spoke opposed to NC1/NC2 outnumbered them by 10 to 1. The glimmer of hope that the unofficial NC4 alternative was dashed by the NCDOT. From what I saw, that alternative (NC4) is the only one that would meet the needs and concerns of both the Downtown and 5 Points neighborhoods. I hope Raleigh and the NCDOT will take a more series look at that alternative and make it feasible.