North Carolina

[froggie]

Did this really need to be posted twice?

[rickmastfan67]

Eh, it's pretty big news to be honest.

[cowboy_wilhelm]

NCDOT might be getting a little cash strapped with all of the recent projects. The disaster in the western part of the state is not helping things either.

A lot of the disaster should be handled through Emergency Recovery funding (ER) and therefore cushion any effect on their core capital program.

Why Helene road repair in Western NC may lead to poorer road conditions statewide - The News & Observer

The federal government is expected to provide most of the billions of dollars it will cost to repair Western North Carolina roads and bridges damaged by the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Now state officials are asking the feds to pay for all of it. Otherwise, they say, the N.C. Department of Transportation will have to defer road maintenance elsewhere in the state.

NCDOT estimates that its share of Helene road reconstruction costs under normal formulas will top $900 million. That would mean diverting money from repaving, repairs and other work to maintain the state's existing highways, says Secretary of Transportation Joey Hopkins.

"NCDOT does not have the resources to address the state's share of the $6.0 billion in Hurricane Helene damage."

[Rothman]

NCDOT might be getting a little cash strapped with all of the recent projects. The disaster in the western part of the state is not helping things either.

A lot of the disaster should be handled through Emergency Recovery funding (ER) and therefore cushion any effect on their core capital program.

Why Helene road repair in Western NC may lead to poorer road conditions statewide - The News & Observer

The federal government is expected to provide most of the billions of dollars it will cost to repair Western North Carolina roads and bridges damaged by the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Now state officials are asking the feds to pay for all of it. Otherwise, they say, the N.C. Department of Transportation will have to defer road maintenance elsewhere in the state.

NCDOT estimates that its share of Helene road reconstruction costs under normal formulas will top $900 million. That would mean diverting money from repaving, repairs and other work to maintain the state's existing highways, says Secretary of Transportation Joey Hopkins.

"NCDOT does not have the resources to address the state's share of the $6.0 billion in Hurricane Helene damage."

Paywalled.  When it comes to funding asking the Feds to "pay for all of it" could mean various things.

[Revive 755]

With I-40 back open but only two lanes, what is the generally the least bad option for traveling through western North Carolina towards the coast these days:

• I-40?
• I-26?
• US 25?
• or still avoid the area and head towards I-77?

[wriddle082]

Haven't been on 40 or US 25 since before Helene, but I have been on 26 twice since 40 reopened, and it's flowing well now.  77 is always a slog southbound from 81 at Fort Chiswell to the 74 split in NC, since it's the oversized load detour and has numerous hills that slow down the trucks and everyone else trying to get around them.
 

[Great Lakes Roads]

https://abc11.com/post/local-leaders-review-toll-study-potential-capital-boulevard-freeway/16051350/

Tolls might be coming to US 1 (Capital Boulevard) in Raleigh. Two (2) options are being floated for consideration.

1. Building out a full toll road in the model of the Triangle Expressway
2. Create dedicated Express Lanes

As of now, this is a $1.3 billion project that will be done in four phases making Capital Boulevard a freeway between I-540 all the way to the Wake-Franklin County line. If approved, the first two phases would begin construction in 2031.

[freebrickproductions]

I remember that being a bit of a slog when trying to drive on that part of US 1 when I was in the area last year to chase a train on the stub of the S Line there. Good to hear they're looking to convert at least part of it to a freeway.

Are there any plans to upgrade the part between I-540 and I-440 to a freeway as well?

[The Ghostbuster]

I think it would be more difficult to upgrade US 1 between Interstates 440 and 540, so I figure the answer is no.

[sprjus4]

https://abc11.com/post/local-leaders-review-toll-study-potential-capital-boulevard-freeway/16051350/

Tolls might be coming to US 1 (Capital Boulevard) in Raleigh. Two (2) options are being floated for consideration.

1. Building out a full toll road in the model of the Triangle Expressway
2. Create dedicated Express Lanes

As of now, this is a $1.3 billion project that will be done in four phases making Capital Boulevard a freeway between I-540 all the way to the Wake-Franklin County line. If approved, the first two phases would begin construction in 2031.

The only issue I have with this, is comparing it to the Triangle Expressway (NC-540). NC-540 was a new location roadway that bypassed an existing road. This project would be an upgrade of the existing road - unless they are implying a new location bypass? - which would be problematic as now you're eliminating an existing free route. Unless, they were to build continuous frontage roads along it sort of how Texas has along their freeway upgrade projects - to allow local traffic or those not wishing to pay the toll to use the "existing" surface level road.

[architect77]

https://abc11.com/post/local-leaders-review-toll-study-potential-capital-boulevard-freeway/16051350/

Tolls might be coming to US 1 (Capital Boulevard) in Raleigh. Two (2) options are being floated for consideration.

1. Building out a full toll road in the model of the Triangle Expressway
2. Create dedicated Express Lanes

As of now, this is a $1.3 billion project that will be done in four phases making Capital Boulevard a freeway between I-540 all the way to the Wake-Franklin County line. If approved, the first two phases would begin construction in 2031.

The only issue I have with this, is comparing it to the Triangle Expressway (NC-540). NC-540 was a new location roadway that bypassed an existing road. This project would be an upgrade of the existing road - unless they are implying a new location bypass? - which would be problematic as now you're eliminating an existing free route. Unless, they were to build continuous frontage roads along it sort of how Texas has along their freeway upgrade projects - to allow local traffic or those not wishing to pay the toll to use the "existing" surface level road.

The project is already designed, the state just doesn't have to money to start it yet. The conversion of US1 to limited access consists of eliminating some intersections, and building up the center lanes to rise over grade-separated interchanges at 3-4 intersections. Some access roads would be added to access certain spots and it would look similar to US19 in St. Petersburg, FL area, where earth and retaining wall lift up center lanes (with this proposal I guess tolled Express Lanes) in a gradual rise over perpendicular roads at only 3-4 spots.

With 14 traffic lights from US401 Split in Raleigh to Youngsville this is a horrible trek right now. At 1/2 of those 14 signals, the lights give access to one side only at a time, letting them turn all directions, however, it takes well over a minute or 2 to complete the phases, and then traffic is slow to get up to speed. This repeats over and over.

I don't think they would ever toll all lanes for just a small segment of a nationally important route US1, tolling 1-2 lanes of the planned 3-4 in each direction in current plans sounds like a great idea to jump start this desperately needed improvement.

Between I-540 and I-440 there is a master plan by the City of Raleigh that describes grade separating some key intersections like Spring Forest and Buffaloe Rd, or similar conversions to increase throughput in Mini City. That plan also includes adding lanes to Capital Blvd including bus only center lanes and platforms up and over the roadway to access the express buses. It zones Capital to have dense mid-rise buildings on both sides down to the Beltline interchange.

[sprjus4]

If express lanes are in play, I wonder if they could add 1-2 express lanes in each direction alongside 2-3 general purpose lanes, and convert the entire highway into a freeway in the process.

If that's what it would take to get it built.

[LM117]

"Pamlico Sound ferry routes to add spring service March 25"

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2025/2025-03-21-pamlico-sound-spring-schedules.aspx

[bob7374]

NCDOT touts user statistics for first 6 months of Triangle Expressway extension:
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2025/2025-03-31-triangle-expressway-delivers-6-months.aspx

[architect77]

If express lanes are in play, I wonder if they could add 1-2 express lanes in each direction alongside 2-3 general purpose lanes, and convert the entire highway into a freeway in the process.

If that's what it would take to get it built.

Converting it to limited access in certain sections is the main purpose to increase throughput.

The drawings appear to have 5 lanes in each direction near I-540. These do not contain Express lanes. I'm not sure if bus lanes are included in the  upgrade or not.

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/capital-boulevard-upgrade/Documents/capital-blvd-north-upgrade-gresham-lake-road-option-2-map-2-2022.pdf

[sprjus4]

If express lanes are in play, I wonder if they could add 1-2 express lanes in each direction alongside 2-3 general purpose lanes, and convert the entire highway into a freeway in the process.

If that's what it would take to get it built.

Converting it to limited access in certain sections is the main purpose to increase throughput.

The drawings appear to have 5 lanes in each direction near I-540. These do not contain Express lanes. I'm not sure if bus lanes are included in the  upgrade or not.

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/capital-boulevard-upgrade/Documents/capital-blvd-north-upgrade-gresham-lake-road-option-2-map-2-2022.pdf

The mainline is to be 3 lanes in each direction. The 5 lanes you show is a transition area where I-540 traffic merges in. Upstream it reduces to 4 then 3 lanes.

The project will upgrade the entire highway (up to Wake Forest) to a limited access highway, not just portions. It will be a 65 mph freeway. There are no express lanes or bus lanes, it's a six lane cross section with traditional interchange configurations or overpasses at intersecting roads.

I'm suggesting that if they are to use tolling to fund the improvements, instead of tolling the entire highway, perhaps tolling the left lane (1 toll lane + 2 free general purpose lanes in each direction) upon completion of the project. It would still construct a traditional 65 mph limited access freeway. I'm generally not a fan of a split toll / free lane configuration with only 2 general purpose or 1 toll lane... but if it's the difference between one lane tolled and all lanes tolled, it would be worth it.

The current proposal does not feature continuous frontage roads, so tolling US-1 would force drivers not wishing to pay to use other routes. Unless the proposal is modified to include continuous frontage roads, to allow US-1 drivers to continue using the "existing" road (one with traffic signals) and construct a new mainline (new toll road).

[architect77]

If express lanes are in play, I wonder if they could add 1-2 express lanes in each direction alongside 2-3 general purpose lanes, and convert the entire highway into a freeway in the process.

If that's what it would take to get it built.

Converting it to limited access in certain sections is the main purpose to increase throughput.

The drawings appear to have 5 lanes in each direction near I-540. These do not contain Express lanes. I'm not sure if bus lanes are included in the  upgrade or not.

https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/capital-boulevard-upgrade/Documents/capital-blvd-north-upgrade-gresham-lake-road-option-2-map-2-2022.pdf

The mainline is to be 3 lanes in each direction. The 5 lanes you show is a transition area where I-540 traffic merges in. Upstream it reduces to 4 then 3 lanes.

The project will upgrade the entire highway (up to Wake Forest) to a limited access highway, not just portions. It will be a 65 mph freeway. There are no express lanes or bus lanes, it's a six lane cross section with traditional interchange configurations or overpasses at intersecting roads.

I'm suggesting that if they are to use tolling to fund the improvements, instead of tolling the entire highway, perhaps tolling the left lane (1 toll lane + 2 free general purpose lanes in each direction) upon completion of the project. It would still construct a traditional 65 mph limited access freeway. I'm generally not a fan of a split toll / free lane configuration with only 2 general purpose or 1 toll lane... but if it's the difference between one lane tolled and all lanes tolled, it would be worth it.

The current proposal does not feature continuous frontage roads, so tolling US-1 would force drivers not wishing to pay to use other routes. Unless the proposal is modified to include continuous frontage roads, to allow US-1 drivers to continue using the "existing" road (one with traffic signals) and construct a new mainline (new toll road).

I spent a frustrating 45 minutes at 230pm today on US1. It's so backed up now with the Perry Creek intersection backing up Northbound traffic as far as the eye can see. After that 3 or 4 traffic lights pretty close together lead me to suggest the following cheaper solution that won't cost 1.3 billion and could be afforded now:

1) Add 3rd lane from Perry Creek up to NC98 or better the Franklin Co. line.

2) Eliminate some traffic lights at less major intersections and force them to make a right, then u-turn to ultimately go left.

3) Change the phases at these intersections from each side getting to go all directions which seems like the most time consuming to perpendicular traffic goes both directions. Protected left either go simultaneously or are forced to make right then left.

I don't think this can wait for 7-10 years for the full project to be built. This is soul crushing. I spent over 15 minutes just getting through the Perry Creek intersection, at 2:45pm, not rush hour.

[fillup420]

maybe Capital Blvd would benefit from some superstreet design, much like NC 55 in Holly Springs. There are lots of differing opinions on the setup, but i think it works pretty well during peak traffic times.

[brian440i]

A Superstreet may not help in this case.

Two Primary Issues:
1. Perry Creek Light and Burlington Mills are uphill causing some delay as Trucks get back to Speed.

2. Amount of Traffic Turning Left off Perry Creek heading South on Capital specifically when Soccer Park lets out.
(It is mismanaged with all games starting at same time and ending at same time on Weekend so hundred cars head for light at same time)  But weekday practices prior to daylight savings letting out at Sunset really conflicts with rush hour as well.

It has a very long Left Turn Cycle with only Two Lanes Turning Left.  There is room to add a 3rd Left Turn Lane as only 1 lane needed for continuing traffic to Durant Rd.  If they add a 3rd Left Turn then the cycle could be reduced giving more time to Capital Blvd/US1 North-South.

I feel like, they felt interchange would have been built to resolve this Peak Capacity Issue but it has been delayed too long.

PS
Also Having Perry Creek Interchange tied to widing Capital Blvd and the Big Flyover at I540 as a single project (~$500 Million) has added to this delay.  Perry Creek/Durant Rd Interchange should have been separated. 

[sprjus4]

If funding is a major concern, I'm not sure why NCDOT does not split the project. Build one interchange at a time, starting with the highest needs, such as the intersection you mentioned.

[jdunlop]

If funding is a major concern, I'm not sure why NCDOT does not split the project. Build one interchange at a time, starting with the highest needs, such as the intersection you mentioned.

You can try, but Durant/Perry Creek is too close to I-540 to practically separate projects.  And, I believe the corridor project is already separated into individual projects.  That's what I remember from the public hearing held in (I believe) 2022.

[sprjus4]

If funding is a major concern, I'm not sure why NCDOT does not split the project. Build one interchange at a time, starting with the highest needs, such as the intersection you mentioned.

You can try, but Durant/Perry Creek is too close to I-540 to practically separate projects.  And, I believe the corridor project is already separated into individual projects.  That's what I remember from the public hearing held in (I believe) 2022.

You are correct that they are split into phases. One segment combines the proposed interchange at Durant / Perry Creek with an overpass at Gresham Lake Rd, a flyover from US-1 South to I-540 East, frontage roads, and general purpose lane widening to 8 lanes along US-1.

Durant / Perry Creek is 0.7 miles away from the nearest signalized intersection to the south and 1.4 miles north of I-540. I can't see why you couldn't construct the interchange project independent of the I-540 flyover, GP widening, Gresham Lake overpass, and frontage roads - certainly if it's an immediate need that will help temporarily unlock other portions of the corridor from congestion piling up - until the full project (that first phase north of I-540 to Durant / Perry Creek with the rest of the frontage roads, overpasses, and GP widening) can be funded.

It's not any different than any urban interchanges along an expressway corridor, and no different than the existing interchanges just a few miles north in Wake Forest.

[WashuOtaku]

If funding is a major concern, I'm not sure why NCDOT does not split the project. Build one interchange at a time, starting with the highest needs, such as the intersection you mentioned.

That is what the state has been doing with Independence Boulevard for decades now. It has gone so long now, you can see the style changes of each segment depending which decade it was completed in. They are still another couple of decades from completing the transition from Uptown to I-485.

So, while they could do the same in Raleigh, it will become a continuous construction project for generations to come.

[sprjus4]

If funding is a major concern, I'm not sure why NCDOT does not split the project. Build one interchange at a time, starting with the highest needs, such as the intersection you mentioned.

That is what the state has been doing with Independence Boulevard for decades now. It has gone so long now, you can see the style changes of each segment depending which decade it was completed in. They are still another couple of decades from completing the transition from Uptown to I-485.

So, while they could do the same in Raleigh, it will become a continuous construction project for generations to come.

Better that than not being built at all.

[74/171FAN]

When I was clinching US 220 in NC earlier this month, I noticed this Bike Route PL sign in Ellerbe.  Does anyone know what this is for?

US 220 NORTH AT PAGE ST by Mark Moore, on Flickr