Arial shot of New Bern Avenue

Transportation

Wake BRT: New Bern Avenue Design and Construction

Connecting downtown Raleigh with WakeMed and New Hope Road with frequent and reliable transit

New Bern Avenue Corridor

The Wake BRT: New Bern Avenue will connect downtown Raleigh with WakeMed and New Hope Road. 

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:
Roadway Design & Construction
Contractors:
HNTB

Contact

 

Sam Brewer, PE
Project Manager
919-749-2952

Comment Form

Het Patel
Transit Planning
919-996-5120

Lead Department:
Transportation
Participating Department:
Engineering Services
Service Unit:
Public Transportation

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This project supports

Raleigh's Climate Plan in Action

Planning

The planning phase began in 2012 with the New Bern Avenue Corridor Study. The study gave recommendations for improving the appearance of the corridor and strategies for revitalizing the area with economic development. The study also suggested ways to support pedestrian, bicycle and transit use along the corridor with a vision for Bus Rapid Transit. 

In 2016, the Wake Transit Plan identified four (4) BRT corridors for implementation by 2027. The New Bern Avenue Corridor connecting from Downtown Raleigh to WakeMed/New Hope was one (1) of the corridors identified. The New Bern Avenue Corridor was evaluated further through the Wake Transit Plan Major Investment Study (MIS) which was completed in 2018. 

In 2016, the Wake Transit Plan identified four BRT corridors for implementation by 2027. The New Bern Avenue Corridor connecting from Downtown Raleigh to WakeMed/New Hope was one of the corridors identified. The New Bern Avenue Corridor was evaluated further through the Wake Transit Plan Major Investment Study (MIS) which was completed in 2018.

In order to gather public input, two Design Open Houses were held. 

The first Design Open House occurred on June 25, 2019 to present the benefits of BRT and show preliminary station locations and BRT design concepts. Based off comments and feedback received, a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) was created. 

The second Design Open House was held on October 29, 2019 to present updated preliminary station locations and display updated BRT design concepts.  A presentation was given during the Design Open House and a summary handout was available.

Phase Contacts

 

Het Patel

Transit Planning

919-996-5120

Lead Department:
Transportation

Design

We are in the advanced design stage for the Wake BRT: New Bern Project.

Approximately 3.3 miles of the 5.1-mile corridor will use dedicated transit lanes between the GoRaleigh Station, in downtown Raleigh, and Sunnybrook Road.

BRT will share the general traffic lanes for the remainder of the corridor between Sunnybrook Road and New Hope Road. 

What's Happening

Our design team is wrapping up the final designs and we started the right of way and easement acquisition phase of the project. 

Project limits Map

This map outlines the project limits and shows the proposed BRT transit stops along the corridor.

New Bern Avenue Advanced Station Location Map

Next Steps

 
  • Finish the right of way and easement acquisition phase of project. 
  • Hold a pre-construction meeting.
  • Start construction, fall 2022.

 

 

Phase Contacts

 

Sean Driskill, PE

Project Manager

919-996-4106

Lead Department:
Engineering Services

Right of Way Acquisition

The Right of Way and Easement Acquisition phase of the project is complete. Survey crews marked proposed easements, and the City's Real Estate Analysts contacted people whose property will be impacted. 

Have Question?

For questions about real estate, contact Real Estate Analyst, Greg Pittman.

For questions about the project design, contact the Project Manager, Sam Brewer, PE

Fall 2022 Project Update Video

Watch this video to learn more about the Right of Way and Easement Acquisition phase of the project. 

Wake BRT: New Bern Avenue Project Update - Fall 2022

Phase Contacts

 

Sam Brewer, PE

Project Manager

919-749-2952

Lead Department:
Engineering Services

Construction

Construction bid update 

Our team solicited for construction bids from potential contractors interested in undertaking the construction. The City held a bid opening on May 7, at 1 p.m., but no bids were summitted. The team is currently soliciting feedback from potential contractors to see what prevented them from submitting bids. Once we get this feedback the team will look at alternatives on how to rebid the project. 

Private Utility Relocation

Before the City starts construction, private utility companies will begin relocating their services that conflict with the project. Duke Energy is the first private utility company the public will see along the corridor.

Duke Energy’s clearing contractor will start removing trees, overhanging branches, and underbrush within Electrical Utility Easements (EUEs), Public Utility Easements (PUEs), along Right of Way, and other permanent easements. This work is planned to start Downtown and move east along New Bern Avenue.
Work will take place between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Please expect intermittent lane closures between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Next Steps

 
  • Advertise project for construction bids
  • Hold Public Pre-Construction Meeting 

Phase Contacts

 

Sam Brewer, PE

Lead Department:
Engineering Services

Schedule

Date Activity
2018 Wake Transit Plan Major Investment Study
Spring 2019 0 - 30% Design Begins
Summer 2019 New Bern Avenue Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) Selected
Winter 2019 Federal Small Starts Application
Spring 2020 30% Design Complete
Spring 2020 Final Design Begins
Winter 2022 Advanced Design Complete
Fall 2022 Right of Way & Easement Acquisition Complete
Fall 2022 Project Update & Open House
Nov. 7, 2023 Wake Bus Rapid Transit New Bern Avenue Groundbreaking Ceremony
Late Fall 2023 BRT Open House
Fall 2024 Pre-Construction Meeting
Fall 2024 Start Construction
Spring 2028 Project Completed

Station Design

Based on feedback from stakeholders and municipal partners, conceptual designs for Wake BRT stations are being developed. Your feedback from Spring 2021 Virtual Open House was considered on certain elements of the stations, like lighting and materials. Thank You for Participating!

This video highlights the conceptual station design renderings for Wake Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and includes station amenities and features, and how pedestrians and bicyclists will access BRT stations. 

Wake Bus Rapid Transit - Station Design - Transit

Project Update Videos

This is a listing of project update videos. you can watch these videos to stay up to date on the project's progress. 

History

In early March 2020, City Council passed a motion that combined the New Bern Avenue Pedestrian Project with the Wake BRT: New Bern Avenue Project.

Combining these two projects allows the installation of enhanced pedestrian facilities and will eliminate back to back construction along the corridor.

Past Design Public Engagement

Virtual Open House Nov. 2022

In November, the team held a Virtual Open House. The purpose of the open house was to provide an update on how the project is progressing. Along with web updates and a live virtual Q&A session, there were several in-person drop-in style sessions throughout the month. 

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 well as station design, branding and art. 

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.