Agenda - 11-17-20; 12-2 - Information Item - US 15-501 Corridor Study

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14 ii. Though the FAST Act has been extended to another year, NCDOT does not have the financial resources for such short term solutions for an economically growing region. Segment#2—1-40 to US 15-501 Bypass(includes 1-40/US 15-501 interchange) 1. Chapel Hill—Grade Separation—"Mt. Moriah Road, Southwest Durham Drive and the proposed collector road/bridge are changed to at-grade intersection." a. Future Growth—based on high density development,the quadrants (New Hope Commons and Patterson Place) have had grade separation intersections and right-in/right-out at Mt. Moriah road in MPO's plans since 1990. i. The area will eventually redevelop to higher density, multi-story office and medical centers, and possibly have a signature corporate building b. DCHC MPO Staff—all 4 intersections along this segment will experience severe congestion and safety issues and would be extremely dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians. Synchronizing multiple signal phases to accommodate all turning movement will cause greater delays. Interchange further complicates safety and congestion. i. Study recommends interchange at Southwest Durham Drive and grade separation at Mt. Moriah Road and proposed collector road east of Southwest Durham Drive, resulting in improved travel time and safety for all users, especially cyclists and pedestrians for an area that currently has over 52,000 vehicles per day. ii. Transit vehicles will also have faster access to development and improved circulation. c. Orange County Transportation Planning comments—NCDOT STIP 1-3306, Widening 1-40 and interchange improvements at US 15/50 has already been through extensive public involvement. Staff agrees with study and MPO Staff. i. Orange County Transportation Planning appreciates the thoroughness of Multi-Use Path in the study and its anticipated expansion including those that may connect to the regional Triangle Bikeway Study currently underway. ii. Orange County Transportation Planning staff was successful in getting the Triangle Bikeway Study expanded to Chapel Hill along NC-54 and onto US-15/501. General Comment: Crossing Design Some comments asked for more details on the designs of the street crossings for cyclists and pedestrians. (E.g. right-on-red turn and raised crosswalks) These design and operational details are beyond the scope of the US 15-501 Corridor Study and will be determined when the projects are funded and receive more detailed design. These design details can maximize the comfort and safety of the cyclists and pedestrians.