Project Overview

The project proposes roadway widening and intersection improvements on N.C. 50 (Benson Road) from south of Rand Road to north of Buffaloe Road.

On Benson Road the project will:

• construct one additional through lane in each direction 

• construct a new bridge over Swift Creek upstream of the existing bridge (for southbound traffic)

• construct curb and gutter on each side of the roadway

• construct a proposed shared-use path along the west side and a sidewalk along the east side 

• construct improvements at the Benson Road and Rand Road intersection

​​Traffic volumes are expected to continue to increase along the Benson Road corridor.  NCDOT evaluates roadway and traffic performance using a metric known as Level of Service (LOS) as shown below.

By the year 2050, the signalized Benson Road and Rand Road intersection is expected to operate at an undesirable overall Level of Service E during the morning peak and LOS F during the evening peak periods. Implementation of STIP Project No. HL-0008J will decrease the delays experienced at the intersection. With the improvements proposed, in 2050 the intersection is projected to operate at LOS D during the morning peak and LOS B during the evening peak.

The signalized Benson Road and Buffaloe Road intersection is expected to operate at an undesirable overall LOS F during the evening peak in the future year. Implementation of STIP HL-0008J will decrease the delays experienced at the intersection, and in 2050, the intersection will operate at LOS D during both peak hours.

Project Map

Download PDF of the Project Map

Project Typical Sections

History

N.C. 50 (Benson Road) is a regionally significant corridor that runs parallel to Interstate 40 between the cities of Garner and Benson. The need for improvements to Benson Road was first identified in the 2003 Wake County Transportation Plan. The corridor carries significant traffic volumes, considerable future development is expected in the area, thus, traffic volumes will continue to increase. The Wake County Transportation Plan recommended widening Benson Road between U.S. 70 and Mount Pleasant Road  to four lanes with a landscaped median. This project represents a portion of the corridor recommended for widening.  Additional studies were completed between 2011 and 2018 recommending similar improvements to the corridor.

The Strategic Transportation Investments (STI) law includes a provision for a funding allocation to local governments based on funding contributed by the local government to transportation projects or revenue from tolling. This bonus allocation can be used to fund the construction of other eligible highway projects.

Project Funding

Project cost estimates are currently being developed.  Costs will be shown here as they become available.

* Estimated costs are subject to change

Project Timeline

* Future dates are preliminary and subject to change

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION 

NC50-RandRd@PublicInput.com984-205-6615    Enter Project Code 4411 to leave a message

COMMENTS/QUESTIONS

Comments may be submitted below, via phone, email (NC50-RandRd@PublicInput.com), U.S. Mail to the Project Manager listed above, or at any meeting. 

All comments received carry equal weight, regardless of submission method. 

All comments will be reviewed and suggestions/recommendations

incorporated into designs where feasible.   

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

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