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. 

• Design Open House Boards
• Design Open House FAQ's
• Survey Results

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.

• Design Open House Boards
• Design Open House Presentation
• Summary Handout
• Survey Results

This phase is complete. 

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.

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. 

Construction Activities for February 2026

Replacing the aging waterline that runs down outbound New Bern Avenue is the first order of business for construction crews.

Area of work - Outbound lanes from East Street to Swain Street

Week one

The first week of February brings construction activity to the outbound lanes of New Bern Avenue between East Street and Swain Street. Our phase one contractor, Rifenburg NC, will begin setting up construction signage and protection fencing in this area. City of Raleigh survey crews will also be in this section of the roadway during this week.

Week two

The contractor will set up a lane closure between East Street and State Street. They will also put in place erosion-control measures and begin saw-cutting the pavement.

Weeks three 

Pavement saw-cutting continues, and crews will begin removing pavement and locating existing utilities. The new waterline pipes and fittings will also be delivered to the site.

Early March

A crew will begin replacing the waterline at East Street and progress towards Swain Street.

This work is weather-dependent. If there is winter weather, some of these dates may need to shift.