U-2823: US 70 - I-540-Hilburn
U-2823: US 70 - I-540-Hilburn
The N.C. Department of Transportation is proposing to improve Glenwood Avenue / U.S. 70 from I-540 to Hilburn Drive in northwest Raleigh as STIP project U-2823. NCDOT is currently collecting information within the project study area for inclusion in the environmental document.
The purpose of the project is to reduce overall congestion along Glenwood Avenue within the project limits. The level of service (LOS) of a roadway is the measure of its traffic carrying ability. Levels of service range from A to F, “A” being the best scenario with unrestricted maneuverability and operating speeds, and “F” being the worst scenario where travel on a roadway is characterized by “stop and go” conditions. Five intersections along the project operate at Level of Service (LOS) F during either the AM or PM peak hours. For the 2045 No-Build condition, all intersections are anticipated to operate at LOS F during both the AM and PM peak hours. As stated in the transportation chapter of Raleigh’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan, the City’s goal is to maintain LOS E or better on all roadways and for overall intersection operation at all times, unless maintaining this LOS would be infeasible and/or conflict with the achievement of other goals.
Other desirable outcomes of the project are improved east-west connectivity through the area, reduced number of vehicular conflict points along Glenwood Avenue, improved stopping sight distance, and reduced potential for rear end crashes resulting in enhanced safety.
This project will be reprioritized for funding in the next State Transportation Improvement Program. A schedule for right of way, utilities and/or construction has not been finalized at this time. However, preliminary engineering activities (design, planning, studies) needed for project development are underway.
Vicinity Map:
Public Involvement
A public meeting was held on Monday, July 22, 2019 to present project maps and receive public input.
Project Highlights
NCDOT is studying two concepts to improve Glenwood Avenue / U.S. 70 through the project area:
Concept 1- Upgrade U.S. 70 / Glenwood Avenue to a 6-lane median-divided roadway with Reduced Conflict Intersection elements
Concept 2- Upgrade U.S. 70 / Glenwood Avenue to an 8-lane median-divided roadway with traditional, full movement intersections
Public Meeting Maps
Public Meeting Key Map
Alternative 1 Map 1 (I-540 to Triangle Drive)
Alternative 1 Map 2 (Triangle Drive to Country Trail)
Alternative 1 Map 3 (Country Trail to Fleetwood Drive)
Alternative 1 Map 4 (Fleetwood Drive to Hilburn Drive)
Alternative 2 Map 1 (I-540 to Triangle Drive)
Alternative 2 Map 2 (Triangle Drive to Country Trail)
Alternative 2 Map 3 (Country Trail to Fleetwood Drive)
Alternative 2 Map 4 (Fleetwood Drive to Hilburn Drive)
What is a Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI)?
With the most common type of RCI, drivers on the main road follow their usual paths, but raised medians redirect drivers from the side road. When there is a safe opening in traffic, drivers turn right to easily enter the flow of traffic on the main route. To go the other direction, or cross the highway, they pull into a dedicated lane, typically less than 1,000 feet away, to make a U-turn. There may be a traffic signal at this location. Reduced conflict intersections simplify how traffic is moved through the area, making travel safer and quicker. By removing most of the crossing conflicts, an RCI typically results in less severe crashes.
Benefits of an RCI:
• Improves safety for motorists and pedestrians
• Accommodates more traffic volume without increased delays
• Allows for the City or NCDOT to adjust the timing of the traffic signals to control the speed at which
drivers move through the corridor
• Requires less right-of-way or property impacts than adding travel lanes or building an interchange
Project History
The section of Glenwood Avenue / U.S. 70 between I-540 and Hilburn Drive has been the subject of extensive long-range planning at both the state and local levels, including:
In 1988, the U.S. 70 Corridor Plan identified Glenwood Avenue as a “Gateway Corridor” into Raleigh and proposed facilities between the Durham County line and Duraleigh Road to provide alternative access to properties along Glenwood Avenue.
In 1992, The U.S. 70 Corridor Study recommended improvements to U.S. 70 / Glenwood Avenue from the Durham County line to Duraleigh Road. The Study proposed widening Glenwood Avenue, intersection improvements at several locations, and improvements to the vertical alignment.
The City of Raleigh’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan is a long-range policy document that provides vision and guidance for growth and development in the City. The Plan identifies Glenwood Avenue as a Through Truck Route. The Plan recommends that U.S. 70 / Glenwood Avenue be widened to six lanes for the length of the project. The Long Term Planned Bicycle Facilities Map recommends separated bikeways along the project and recommends several greenway trails crossing U.S. 70. The plan was initially adopted in 2009 and was updated in 2019.
The 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, last adopted or amended by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) in 2018, recommends widening the U.S. 70 corridor from four lanes to six lanes through the project area.
Funding
| Estimated Amount* | |
| Utilities | $ 1,500,000 |
| Right of Way | $ 40,600,000 |
| Construction | $ 107,700,000 |
| Total Cost | $ 149,800,000 |
* Costs subject to change
Project Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Environmental Document complete | June 2027 |
| Right-of-Way Acquisition begins | February 2024 |
| Construction | TBD |
* Future dates subject to change
PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION
Terry Farr, PE
Senior Project Manager
NCDOT Project Management Unit
1582 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1582
984-205-6615 Project Code 4224
US70-I-540-Hilburn@publicinput.com
Project Comments:
The public comment period closed on August 19, 2019. All comments received have been taken into consideration.
RESOURCES FOR PROPERTY OWNERS
Although the N.C. Department of Transportation works to minimize the number of homes and businesses displaced by a road project, it is inevitable, in many cases, that a certain amount of private property is needed. The following information explains right of way acquisition and answers questions about the process.
Right-of-Way Brochure Single Page Layout Folleto del Proceso de Adquisición de Bienes Raíces
Right-of-Way Frequently Asked Questions
Right of way Acquisition Process Videos