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Consider a Resolution to Support the NCDOT Improvement Project at the W. Franklin St./E. Main St./Merritt Mill Rd./Brewer Ln. Intersection.
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Staff:
Department:
Ben Hitchings, Director
Planning and Development Services
Bergen Watterson, Transportation Planning Manager
Pat Wilson, Division Project Engineer
NCDOT
Overview: Town staff has been working with representatives from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the Town of Carrboro to finalize design for an intersection improvement project at the W. Franklin St./E. Main St./Merritt Mill Rd./Brewer Ln. intersection. This project was originally envisioned as a roundabout to improve traffic safety and flow, and improve safety for bicycles and pedestrians at the same time. After much analysis and discussion with both Towns' staffs and representatives to the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO), NCDOT determined that the impacts to adjacent properties, including business relocations, and the associated costs were too much to justify the minimal traffic improvements that would result from the project.
As a result, the Towns and NCDOT reclassified the highway improvements as a bicycle and pedestrian project, and NCDOT was able to identify an alternative source of funding. NCDOT is managing and funding the project in its entirety. The project includes continuous sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks and signals at all intersections, a median on W. Franklin St., improved directional signage, bike loop detectors, and minor lane reconfigurations to improve traffic flow. Additional detail can be found in the staff memorandum.
Because the project cost is estimated to be in excess of $250,000, NCDOT requires a resolution from the Town Council in support of the project. They are also requesting feedback on the project as part of the resolution, if the Council wishes. The Carrboro Board of Aldermen adopted a resolution in support of the project on September ...
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