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 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.

Additionally, staff from the Urban Design Center prepared a final report on Urban Design Opportunities that looked at physical improvements along the corridor that could align with BRT investments.

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.

The video below provides an introduction to the Final Report. After viewing both the video and the Final Report we hope you will take a survey on the final phase which will be open until June 14. Staff hosted a virtual Q+A on May 25, 2021, you can view the recording or find it on the survey page.

Following this final phase of engagement, a final round of revisions will be made to the report. Afterward, 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 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.

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. The locations and number of BRT stations along the corridor will be determined during the design phase. 

WSP is the consultant for preliminary design 0 – 30 percent. 

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 
• Continue preliminary design work

Phase details coming soon.

Phase details coming soon.