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. 
 

Updated July 12

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. 

The City awarded the Advanced Design contract to HNTB in June of 2020.

The project received $35 million in FTA CIG funding in December 2020.

Current Activity

We held a virtual open house in May. During this open house we showed the design plans for the corridor and talked with stakeholders about the project. 

The team is currently working on finalizing the advanced designs.

• Continue meeting with business owners along the corridor about potential impacts of the project;
• Bus platform stations are being finalized;
• Coordinate with NCDOT about design criteria; and,
• Start the right of way and easement acquisition phase of project. 

Construction is scheduled to start in the summer of 2022. Check back for details as we near construction.

The project is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2024.