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25 <br /> lib <br /> 1.2.6 System Connectivity <br /> I-85 supplants much of US 70's role in connecting the Mebane/Burlington area with Hillsborough and Durham.While the <br /> proportion of traffic traveling the entire length of the corridor has declined since the completion of 1-85,new development <br /> along the corridor and along roads accessed via US 70 has generated additional trips that use parts of the corridor in <br /> travelling to jobs,residences,schools,stores,and other services or activities.Although traffic growth for the study <br /> corridor overall averaged about 2.3%annually between 2011 and 2019,rates varied considerable year-to-year and by <br /> location. <br /> aB����888889°' <br /> The lack of north-south connectivity along the corridor results in vehicles using portions of US 70 to complete north-south <br /> trips.This adds traffic and turning movement conflicts that increase delay,especially at key intersections.Vehicles using <br /> NC 86 and NC 57 north of US 70 is an example of this issue. Congestion through downtown Hillsborough discourages <br /> automobile trips,and truck traffic is(mostly) routed around downtown.Completion of the new NC 119 connection <br /> helped address a similar situation in Mebane.Traffic also uses US 70 to access one of the limited number of north-south <br /> routes across or to/from I-85,such as Lawrence Road. <br /> The lack of western access at the I-85 Connector also represents a lack of connectivity,forcing traffic to use indirect routes <br /> on minor roads with at-grade rail crossings through Efland,or to continue eastward on US 70 through Hillsborough. This <br /> is a particularly noticeable problem for truck traffic. <br /> The proximity of the rail line to US 70 along the western portion of the corridor limits connectivity to the south,while <br /> trains at at-grade rail crossings introduce temporary restrictions to connectivity. <br /> For pedestrian and bicycle travel,the lack of facilities and continuity in the study corridor is a major obstacle,not only for <br /> trips along US 70,but for trips across it. This deficiency also reduces the attractiveness and effectiveness of transit service <br /> in the corridor. <br /> 1.2.7 Planned & Committed Improvements <br /> The following sections describe planned or committed projects that directly or indirectly affect—or are affected by—travel <br /> in the US 70 corridor. <br /> 23 US 70 Multimodal Corridor Study Existing Conditions Report <br />