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09/20/2021 11:17 am

Western BRT

Wake BRT: Western Corridor

Connecting Raleigh and Cary with frequent and reliable transit

The Wake BRT: Western Boulevard Corridor will connect downtown Raleigh with downtown Cary.

In November of 2016, Wake County voters approved a plan for focused investment in public transit which puts the implementation of the Wake County Transit Plan in motion. The plan calls for building approximately 20 miles of transit lanes along four (4) Bus Rapid Transit corridors within Wake County (Wake BRT).

Project Details

 
Type:
Transportation Improvements
Project Lead:
Transportation - Transit Division
Contractors:
WSP

Contact

 

Mila Vega
Planning Supervisor
919-996-4123

Lead Department:
Transportation
Participating Department:
Planning and DevelopmentEngineering Services
Service Unit:
Public Transportation

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Planning

Final Report

In the final phase of the planning study, staff from the Urban Design Center compiled a report on Urban Design Opportunities along the corridor. These are areas for physical and policy improvements aligned with BRT investments, capital improvement projects, and private/public partnerships.

View the Final Report and the Appendix.

Staff hosted a virtual Q+A on May 25, 2021, watch the recording.

The planning phase began in 2019 with the Western Boulevard Corridor Study (WBCS). The goal of the study was to create a plan for BRT implementation that capitalized on the unique opportunities BRT will bring to the corridor. Land use capacity, urban form, and a locally preferred alternative (LPA) were studied by a consultant team. View the consultant’s Final Report and the TOD Precedent Book on these technical items.

Next Steps

 

The report will be taken to the City Council for referral to the Planning Commission for review. After the Planning Commission makes its review, the item will go back to the City Council for adoption. There will be multiple opportunities during the adoption process to have your voice heard. We encourage you to stay engaged throughout.

Phase Contacts

 

Dhanya Sandeep
Planning Supervisor
Planning and Development
919-996-2659
Dhanya.Sandeep@raleighnc.gov

Lead Department:
Planning and Development

Design

The preliminary design phase (0 to 30 percent) for implementing BRT on Western Corridor is underway. The corridor is approximately 12 miles. It will operate in both dedicated transit lanes and mixed traffic between the GoRaleigh Station in downtown Raleigh, and the Cary Multimodal Center in downtown Cary.

As of August 2021, the project has reached the 10 percent design phase. The final location and number of BRT stations along the corridor will be determined during the preliminary design phase. 

Current activity:

  • Continue coordination with Town of Cary
  • Continue to coordinate with NC State about design criteria
  • Continue preliminary design work, including runningway options
  • Continue to coordinate with NCDOT about existing projects along the corridor 
Map of Western Boulevard and the stations planned for Bus Rapid Transit

Wake BRT: Western Corridor Update

Phase Contacts

 

Mila Vega
Planning Supervisor
919-996-4123

Lead Department:
Transportation

Construction

Phase details coming soon.

Lead Department:
Engineering Services

Complete

Phase details coming soon.

Phase Contacts

 

Mila Vega
Planning Supervisor
919-996-4123

Lead Department:
Transportation

History

In 2016, the Wake Transit Plan identified four BRT corridors for implementation by 2027. The Western Boulevard Corridor connecting downtown Raleigh and downtown Cary was one of the corridors identified. The Western Boulevard Corridor was evaluated further through the Wake Transit Plan Major Investment Study (MIS) which was completed in 2018.

The planning phase began in 2019 with the Western Boulevard Corridor Study (WBCS). The goal of the study was to create a plan for the successful implementation of BRT service along the corridor. The study analyzed the land use capacity and urban form of the corridor to develop a conceptual land use plan. Additionally, the study recommended a preferred route for the BRT, known as the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA).  

A kickoff meeting was held in November 2019. Public participation helped to prioritize areas for redevelopment along the corridor. View the survey results. 

Information from the November 2019 kickoff meeting:
    •    Presentation
    •    Handout
    •    Information boards
    •    Kickoff summary
    •    FAQ

Virtual Engagement – September 2020 

In the interest of public safety, a virtual engagement opportunity was established in September 2020. A Live Q&A session was held and a recording of the session can be viewed here. Following the virtual engagement, a Frequently Asked Questions document was developed for public review. 

Virtual Engagement – November 2020 

In November 2020, the City of Raleigh staff and consultants hosted a Virtual Open House to provide an overview of the BRT program, provide project-specific updates and gather public and stakeholder feedback. 

Virtual Engagement - May 2021

In May 2021, City staff and consultants hosted a Virtual Open House to gather public and stakeholder feedback and provide an update on the corridor design as well as station design, branding, and art.

Draft Final Report - Summer 2021

Western BRT Pullen Park Rendering

A rendering of Western Blvd. BRT and Pullen Park

Wake BRT: Western Blvd. Corridor

Schedule

Date Activity
2018 Wake Transit Plan Major Investment Study
Fall 2019 Western Boulevard Corridor Study begins
Summer 2020 Town of Cary endorsed Western Corridor Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA)
Summer 2020 City of Raleigh endorsed Western Corridor LPA
Fall 2020 CAMPO executive board adopts Western Boulevard LPA
Winter 2020 0 - 30 percent design begins
Spring 2021 Western Boulevard Corridor Study complete
Fall 2022 Anticipated completion of 0 - 30 percent design
 

Main BRT Project Page

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