Title
NC 54 West Corridor Study - Phase Two (20 minutes)
Aaron Cain, LPA Staff
Narrative
Phase two of the NC 54 West Corridor Study was presented to the MPO Board in September 2019. The primary recommendation of the study is the widening of NC 54 from NC 119 in Alamance County to Old Fayetteville Street in Carrboro to four lanes with a median and sidepath for bicycle and pedestrian travel. The study also recommends installing several roundabouts along the corridor to improve traffic flow and safety at major intersections. If the MPO Board were to adopt the study, staff would then implement the recommendations by working with NCDOT to develop a project for the widening of NC 54, which would include recommending local points for such a project in SPOT.
A completed draft was released for public comment by the MPO Board on October 9, 2019. In addition to making comments directly to staff, five formal public comment opportunities are available:
- October 15 - Carrboro Board of Aldermen
- October 24 - Public Meeting, Carrboro Town Hall
- October 30 - Chapel Hill Town Council
- November 7 - Orange County Board of Commissioners
- November 13 - MPO Board Public Hearing
The Carrboro Board of Aldermen adopted a resolution opposing the recommendation to widen NC 54 (staff will provide a copy of the resolution at the MPO Board meeting). The Chapel Hill Town Council did not make a formal recommendation, though Council members did express interest in future transit in the corridor, as well as timing any future widening to actual congestion issues rather than depending on the model, should widening be the ultimate action. Comments from the Orange County Board of Commissioners will be provided at the MPO Board meeting.
Public comments received as of November 6, 2019, including synopses of comments made during the Carrboro Board of Aldermen, Chapel Hill Town Council, and public meetings, is attached.
Recommendation
TC Action: In an unanimous vote, the TC recommended that the MPO Board adopt a motion to:
- Receive the report;
- Direct MPO staff to proceed with the implementation of safety and operational improvements in the corridor as shown in the study, such as intersection improvements; and
- Direct MPO staff to work with local staff from Orange County and Carrboro and partners to identify future work.
Board Action
Board Action: Receive the report; direct MPO staff to advocate for the implementation of operational and safety improvements in the corridor as shown in the study; and direct local staff from Orange County and Carrboro to work with MPO staff to identify future work.