Frequently asked Questions

Can a traffic signal be added for my street?

There are currently no plans to add or modify the traffic signals as shown on the public meeting maps. The new signals proposed at North Glen and Loft Lane were added to allow full movement access to streets that serve large neighborhoods while meeting NCDOT signal spacing requirements. All proposed signals will allow protected U-turns to minimize impacts to travel time.

Can a left turn be added at my business?

We understand that restricting left turns where people have historically been able to make left turns can be upsetting and that travel times may increase along the corridor, but several studies within the state and around the country show large reductions in crashes and fatalities after installing a median. All of the proposed traffic signals will allow for protected U-turns and the intersections will be signed as No Right on Red.

Why are you proposing narrow lanes like Falls of Neuse Road?

The lanes on Falls of Neuse Road in some places are currently less than 9 feet in width and similar to the current lane widths on Six Forks around the North Hills area. The lane widths on the proposed section of Six Forks between Rowan Street and Lynn Road will be made a consistent width of 10 feet. These lane widths are allowable under design criteria and studies indicate that there is a reduction in the overall upper speed limit without a corresponding increase in accidents. Changing the speed limit alone is insufficient to improve speed compliance and reduce accident severity. The lane widths not only reduce impacts to adjacent properties, it also reduces the overall time it takes for pedestrians to cross the street and helps achieve multiple safety goals for the project.

How will traffic on my neighborhood street be impacted by the design of Six Forks?

At this time it is difficult to determine driver behavior in how they will attempt to find faster or shorter ways of getting to their destination. The City typically won’t install traffic calming measures on a neighborhood street until there is a demonstrable traffic issue. As traffic adjusts to the new layout of Six Forks and shortcuts through neighborhood streets are identified, the City’s Neighborhood Traffic Management will be able to assist determining if traffic calming measures are warranted.

Will there be a pedestrian bridge at North Hills?

There are currently no plans to add a pedestrian bridge or tunnel in this phase of the Six Forks project and may be evaluated in future phases. However, all intersections within the project limits shown on the public meeting maps will be designed as protected intersections that improves the safety and visibility for pedestrians as well as cyclists.

Why are you adding bike lanes when no one currently bikes on Six Forks?

People currently ride their bikes along the existing narrow sidewalk and mix with pedestrian traffic. Separated bike facilities behind the curb were originally envisioned in the corridor study phase of the project and recent UDO text changes adopted by the City Council make these facilities a requirement on streets like Six Forks. The addition of the separated bike lanes on Six Forks in conjunction with other bike improvements under construction by the City will provide safe bike access to homes and businesses along the corridor.

How will bikes trigger signal changes at the intersections?

Cyclists will need to press the button on the pedestal adjacent to the traffic signal to trigger a light change. Currently, NCDOT doesn’t support bicycle specific signals or detection and the City currently doesn’t maintain an inventory of these items for future maintenance needs.

Will all transit stops have shelters?

All proposed transit stops will have shelters. Stops that allow transfers between different lines will be larger with more accommodations. The City is currently evaluating adding bike-share facilities at transit stops near existing or proposed bikeways.

Why is there a roundabout proposed at Rowan Street and Revere Drive?

The roundabout was identified in the corridor study phase to help alleviate backup of traffic on Six Forks for parents waiting to drop-off their children at Carroll Middle School. The drop-off entrance at the school will be restricted to right-in/right-out and parents will need to utilize the roundabout to access the school.

Meet the Team

Chad Cantrell, PE - Project Manager 
Chad manages all aspects of the project's design process and will also oversee construction activity. 

RK&K - Design Consultant 
The design consultant works with the project manager to develop the project's design. 

Sarah Beth Gentry - Real Estate Analyst 

Dustin Kornegay - Real Estate Analyst 
Sarah Beth is the City's Real Estate Analyst assigned to the Six Forks Road Project. She will start to reach out to property owners along the corridor after the City holds its Design Public Touchpoint and presents the project's design to City Council.

Proposed Design Renderings

These renderings give an idea of what Six Forks Road will look like once the project is competed. 

Public Engagement

Design Public Touchpoint

We had a Virtual Open House page Sept 22 through Oct. 17. There is a video that explains some of the updates that have been made to the design since the Pre-Design Public Touchpoint, That video and the project maps are located on this page as well. 

Pre-Design Public Touchpoint

We held a pre-design virtual touchpoint in late October 2020, and finished collecting public comments in mid-November 2020.  

What is a Public Touchpoint?

A public Touchpoint is what we are calling public engagement when we are unable to meet in person.

View Corridor User survey and Public Comments  

What is the Pre-Design?

Pre-design is when we conduct preliminary topographical surveys, traffic analysis, and public and private utility location investigations. This information helps our engineers determine early concepts we can bring to the table for our roadway improvement projects.

The Six Forks Road Improvement Project is a result of a corridor study that also helped to guide the design concepts that we are proposing.

Project highlights include:

• Widening road to accommodate three lanes of travel in each direction with a planted median;
• Separated bike lane and sidewalks on each side of the road;
• Signal improvements and protected intersections for cyclists and pedestrians;
• Transit stops;
• Green stormwater infrastructure;
• Landscaping and other amenities.

Project information videos

View these videos to learn more about the planning process and scope of the Six Forks Road Project. 

Public Art

This project will include public art. Carrie Gault, the public artist selected for this project, will work the community to create art that represents the area and the people that live, work, and play along Six Forks Road. 

Carrie is gathering inspiration and learning about the Six Forks Road community. Visit the PublicInput project page to view community comments, find out about upcoming stakeholder meetings, and share input and stories about the neighborhood.

To learn more about the artist and her work visit the Six Forks Road Public Art Project page.