Title
NC 54 West Corridor Study (15 minutes)
Don Bryson, VHB
Aaron Cain, LPA Staff
Narrative
The NC Highway 54 corridor between Carrboro and I-85 in Graham has been the subject of discussion among neighboring jurisdictions and North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) over the past several years. While this highway is expected to experience increased volume in the future due to employment growth in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area and residential growth in Alamance County, the area surrounding the corridor is primarily rural, low-density residential, has important environmental features, and is extremely popular among recreational bicyclists.
This study’s objective is to determine and address the critical issues and needs along the NC 54 West corridor, mainly mobility, operational deficiencies, environmental protection, and safety for motor vehicle users, pedestrians bicyclists, and transit users. These issues and needs vary in magnitude and importance along the corridor depending on context, as the character of the urban/rural continuum also varies along the corridor. In addition to recommendations for the short- and long-term needs of automobiles in the corridor, the study will also seek to recommend appropriate and feasible accommodations for transit service along the corridor, where appropriate, and connections to and accommodations for the existing and proposed bicycle and pedestrian network along the corridor.
This past summer DCHC MPO, with support from NCDOT Division 7 and the City of Graham, contracted with VHB to provide consulting services to recommend solutions to these issues along the NC 54 Corridor between Carrboro and Graham. VHB representatives will provide an update on where the project currently stands and the project schedule moving forward.
Board Action
Board Action: This item is for informational purposes only; no action is required at this time.