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

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.

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

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 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.

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