Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
Orange County & NCDOT Highway Luncheon <br />Division 7 and District 1 <br />October 19, 2015 12:00 p.m. <br />6 <br />h)Summary of the recent meeting between Efland residents, County staff, <br />NCDOT District and Rail Division staff and a NCRR representative <br />regarding development interest and related rail issues (Chuck Edwards, <br />Abigaile Pittman) <br />A summary was provided for a meeting held on August 8, 2015 between Efland <br />residents accompanied by Bonnie Hauser, Mark Moshier, County staff, NCDOT <br />District and Rail Division staff, and a NCRR representative regarding <br />development interest and related rail issues: <br />x Discussion regarding a level of expressed interest in investing in the <br />Efland community,. <br />x Efland representatives stated that the locations of the rail crossings are <br />greatly influencing development potential, and there is interest in <br />relocating one or more of the crossings to enhance connectivity and <br />safety, particularly the one on Mt. Willing Road. <br />x Interest was also expressed in the future plans for the railroad tracks <br />through the Efland area, and how these plans could impact development. <br />x An existing crossing is a project that would have to be programmed in the <br />State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). <br />x NCRR is trying to develop plans for future additional tracks for 10 year out. <br />Commuter rail will require double-tracking or passing side tracks, and <br />would need to accommodate 50 mph curves. <br />x NCDOT staff stated that they would review options for relocating or <br />revising the Mt. Willing Road rail crossing: <br />Additionally, in early July Planning staff had related earlier communication with <br />two local residents regarding safety concerns about the intersection of Mt. Willing <br />Road (Exit 160 off I-40) and Forrest Avenue at the rail crossing. <br />i)Bicycle Safety Next Steps (Abigaile Pittman) <br />An update was provided regarding next steps for a recent project involving <br />bicycle safety: <br />x At its June 16, 2015 meeting the Commissioners accepted the OUTBoard <br />Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Report and directed staff to return in the fall <br />with information relevant to next steps. <br />x At its November 5th meeting the Commissioners will be asked to consider <br />a resolution supporting public and private efforts to increase safety <br />awareness between motorists and bicyclists, roadway safety <br />improvements for bicyclists, and to authorize recommended next steps. <br />x The Report asks the County to embrace, promote, and in some cases <br />fund programs to further its goal to further address the safety of all users <br />of county roads. <br />x Considering the limitations in County regulatory authority, OUTBoard <br />charge, and staffing and financial costs, many of the recommendations <br />45