The Wake BRT: Western Boulevard Corridor Study will:

• Create a plan for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service connecting downtown Raleigh and downtown Cary.
• Leverage other studies to create a vibrant corridor with development opportunities.
• Develop a conceptual land use plan for the area.
• Identify infrastructure improvement projects for the corridor.

At the kickoff meeting we shared information about the existing conditions of the corridor. We talked about how Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will impact the future of Western Boulevard. Thanks to everyone that participated in the kickoff meeting and survey. Your participation helped us determine the BRT alignment and helped us prioritize areas for redevelopment. View the survey results.

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

Locally Preferred Alternative

A priority in this phase of the study is finalizing the route for the Western Blvd. BRT leg of the BRT route, known as the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA). The video below walks through the options for connecting Cary to Western Blvd. and the route that was ultimately chosen.

The Locally Preferred Alternative can be viewed on the map below.

View the Locally Preferred Alternative PDF map.

On the interactive map below, you can also search using addresses or your current location. To view the legend, hover over the circle icon in the lower-left corner.

View the Locally Preferred Alternative interactive map.

What is transit-oriented development (TOD)?

TOD brings people, activities, buildings, and public space together.  You often see housing, office space, and retail in TOD. Many within walking distance of a transit station. Walkable neighborhoods in TOD reduce the need for driving. Activities not available in the neighborhood are accessible via transit. These elements come together to make development vibrant, sustainable, and accessible.

Urban Design Opportunities

In this phase of the study, the Urban Design Center has identified urban design opportunities along the corridor that could compliment the installation of BRT and improve the safety, character, and effectiveness of the corridor as a transit corridor.

Explore the Urban Design Opportunities identified along the corridor.

What's Next?

Thank you to all those who participated in the virtual engagement process and provided us with valuable feedback. We appreciate your time and interest in this project. While the online survey is now officially closed, please feel free to contact the project manager with your follow-up questions or concerns. The project team will process the public feedback and move into next phase to start work on the draft report and recommendations. The next public touchpoint is anticipated in early Spring when we hope to have draft recommendations to share. In the meantime, if you haven't yet signed up for email communications, please do, so you can stay connected and received regular updates on the project. Please continue to remain safe and well.

Missed the Q&A session with the panelists? You can now watch the recording of the Q&A session with the project panel held on Sept 30.

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. 

January's activity:

• Continue coordination with Town of Cary
• Continue to coordinate with NC State about design criteria
• Topographical survey notification letters to be mailed out 
• Begin preliminary design work, including runningway options

February's activity: 

• Begin topographical surveys on Feb 25th 
• Continue to coordinate with NCDOT about existing projects along the corridor 
• Continue preliminary design work
• Begin prep work for next round of virtual public engagement for April 2021