Project History

This project was planned through the recent Dix Edge Study, which identified a custom streetscape along this section of Lake Wheeler from South Saunders Street to Maywood Avenue. The proposed streetscape is consistent with the comprehensive plan, which calls for turning Lake Wheeler into two-lane road with a center median and the addition of a separated bike facility.

Currently, Lake Wheeler is a two-lane street without turn lanes, sidewalks, or bike facilities.  This type of configuration tends to have more crashes because of conflicts with turning vehicles. When drivers must wait to turn left onto a side street or the interstate, they block the travel lane which can lead to rear-end crashes. The lack of both sidewalks and bike facilities makes the corridor challenging to access for people walking or biking.

Based on feedback from the Pre-Design Touchpoint, private utility coordination, and Dix Park, the design consultant, STV Engineering, recommends some additional design considerations to the original concepts.

The additional considerations include:

• A roundabout at the South Saunders Street and Lake Wheeler Road intersection;
• Making Umstead Drive right-in and right-out only; and,
• An elongated roundabout that spans both Mercury Street and Goode Street.

We posted a public survey that ran between May 10 and June 1, asking how the public felt about the design modifications we are looking at. 152 people took the survey and we received 103 comments. 

Results from public survey on the new element proposals

• 81 percent in favor of a roundabout at South Saunders Street.
• 82 percent in favor of a right-in right-out only at Umstead Street.
• 81 percent in favor of the elongated roundabout that spans both Mercury Street and Goode Street.
• 90 percent of people think that the proposed design concepts will make the corridor safer for all modes of transportation. 

Comment Summary: 
General sentiment towards the the new design elements was positive. The most common concern is the lack of detail on safety features and pedestrian and bike infrastructure.

View Survey Results 

Pre-Design Public Virtual Open House 

Public engagement is a crucial component of any roadway project. During a project's life cycle, we reach out to the public to get feedback on design concepts and early design plans. In addition, we talk with key stakeholders and property owners along the corridor to understand their needs and how the project may affect them. 

We are in the early design phase of the Lake Wheeler Improvement Project. At this point, we have held a Pre-Design Public Meeting where we shared basic design concepts we are looking at for along the Lake Wheeler Road and Dix Park corridor. 

See results from the Pre-Design Public Survey.October 31, 2025

The City of Raleigh held a pre-construction meeting for the Lake Wheeler Road Improvement Project on Oct. 30, 2025, and private utility relocations are ongoing. On Oct. 21, 2025, the Raleigh City Council approved the transfer of funds from the Six Forks Road Improvement Project to the Lake Wheeler Road Improvement Project. The funding allows the construction team to complete the project's original scope.  

This summer, to stay within budget and expedite the project, the City altered the project limits to end between the railroad and Maywood Avenue. However, on July 1, 2025, the City Council approved a reduction in scope for the Six Forks Road Improvement Project and redirected funds to other projects with funding shortages. This included the Lake Wheeler Road Project. With the allocation of funding approved on Oct. 1, 2025, the project limits are from Maywood Avenue to South Saunders Street.

Robert Mathes is the City’s Real Estate Analysts assigned to acquire property rights needed for the Lake Wheeler Road Improvement Project. He will reach out to each affected property owner along the corridor to work through the easement acquisition process. 

The Right of Way Acquisition process includes: 

• Staking of the easements on the property;
• Site visits with the project team and affected property owner if needed; and, 
• An offer of compensation for the easements needed from the property.

Have Questions?

For questions about the real estate process or flags in your yard, contact Real Estate Analyst, Robert Mathes. 

For Questions about the project design, contact Raleigh's Engineering Services

Project Update

July 2026

The City's construction contractor, Rifenburg NC, has started work along Lake Wheeler Road. Crews have started installing erosion control and clearing operations are also underway. With this work there may be intermittent lane closures and traffic delays. Please plan accordingly when traveling through the construction zone. 

May - 2026

Private utility relocation is about 75 percent complete along the corridor, and the contractor is scheduled to begin construction within the next month. 

January - March 2026

Utility relocation is ongoing, and the contractor is continuing exploratory potholing along the corridor. They plan to install erosion control in the coming weeks.