U-5891: NC 50 (Creedmoor Road)
U-5891: NC 50 (Creedmoor Road)
Preliminary Engineering Activities for this project
have been suspended.
The N.C. Department of Transportation is proposing to widen N.C. 50 from I-540 to north of N.C. 98.
N.C. 50 is a two-lane highway that is operating over capacity. Existing traffic volumes (2018 Average Annual Daily Traffic - AADT) are as high as 25,900 vehicles per day and in the future (2045) are expected to be as high as 30,000 vehicles per day in the corridor between I-540 and N.C. 98.
In addition to decreasing congestion, enhancing mobility, and providing an improved north-south arterial connection in the region, the widening of N.C. 50 would enhance economic development, better connect rural areas with jobs, and provide a safer roadway.
Vicinity and Study Area Map:
Project Highlights
This project would widen N.C. 50 (Creedmoor Road) between I-540 and just north of N.C. 98 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided roadway with a 23-foot raised median.
Two concepts are being considered:
a traditional roadway and intersections
a reduced conflict intersection (RCI) corridor
Both alternatives would have curb and gutter from I-540 to Norwood Road and a shoulder section from Norwood Road to north of N.C. 98. The recommended alternative may include elements of both the traditional and RCI designs.
In addition, two options are being considered for the interchange of N.C. 50 with I-540:
improving the current diamond interchange
reconfiguring to a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI).
The bridges on I-540 and N.C. 98 over N.C. 50 would not be affected with this project.
What is a Reduced Conflict Intersection?
While main street travelers may turn left, right, or travel straight through - just like at a conventional intersection - side street travelers who wish to cross or turn left at a reduced conflict intersection must first turn right and then make a U-turn to continue on their desired route.
The purpose of a Reduced Conflict Intersection is to improve vehicular mobility and safety by limiting the number of conflict points between vehicles during traffic maneuvers. A Reduced Conflict Intersection design reduces the potential for collisions by limiting the number of left-turns and moves traffic through an intersection more efficiently, ultimately translating into shorter travel times.
Reduced Conflict Intersections can help alleviate congestion while increasing travel capacity. Improved traffic flow is possible by simplifying traffic signal phasing (e.g., eliminating the need for left-turn signals or cutting down on the time spent at a traffic light) and allowing both directions of traffic to move simultaneously.
What is a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI)?
A diverging diamond interchange allows two directions of traffic to temporarily cross to the left side of the road. This movement provides easier access to an interstate. A DDI moves high volumes of traffic through an intersection wtihout increasing the number of lanes and traffic signals.
Benefits
A Diverging Diamond interchange allows free-flowing turns when entering and exiting an interstate, eliminating the left turn against oncoming traffic and limiting the number of traffic signal phases. It is also easy to navigate, eliminates last-minute lane changes and provides better sight distance at turns, which results in fewer crashes.
The interchange also reduces congestion by allowing traffic to keep moving through an intersection.
Cost-Effectiveness
For improvement projects, a Diverging Diamond interchange often uses the existing bridge structure and the existing right of way, which eliminates the cost of building new structures and purchasing additional right of way.
Because many of the existing interchange features remain intact, the Diverging Diamond interchange is often built in less time than it would take to build a new interchange and with significantly less impact to motorists.
A Diverging Diamond interchange usually requires the purchase of less right of way and the construction of fewer lanes and bridge structures than traditional interchange types.
Public Meeting Maps
Maps displayed at the open-house public meeting are linked below.
TRADITIONAL | REDUCED CONFLICT INTERSECTIONS |
Project History
In January 2011 the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) completed the N.C. 50 Corridor Study.
The Study recommended:
widening N.C. 50 to a four-lane median divided roadway from I-540 to Norwood Road
realigning Nipper Road and Shooting Club Road
reducing the speed limit to a consistent 45-50 mph
providing wide outside lanes for bicycles and a multiuse path between NC 98 and Old Weaver Trail.
On February 19, 2018 a Feasibility Study was completed by NCDOT for the project. The Feasibility Study recommended:
widening to a four-lane divided curb and gutter section
upgrading the I-540/N.C. 50 interchange to a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI)
realigning Shooting Club Road to intersect Nipper Road
signalizing the intersection of Club Road and Nipper Road
upgrading the interchange of N.C. 98 and N.C. 50 with two one-way bridges on NC 98
Preliminary designs for the project are being developed. The impacts of those preliminary designs will be analyzed and documented in the project's Environmental Document, a Categorical Exclusion (CE). The CE is scheduled for completion in June 2027.
During this project development phase, an alternative will be recommended. Once this phase is completed, the project will move into final design. The project is currently unfunded for construction.
Funding
Project U-5891 is shown in the N.C. Department of Transportation’s State Transportation Improvement Program, funded at $91.975 million.
| Estimated Cost* |
Right of Way Acquisition | $ 56,400,000 |
Utilities | $ 1,700,000 |
Construction | $ 66,000,000 |
Total Cost – (ROW/Utilities/Construction) | $124,100,000 |
* Estimated Costs subject to change
Project Timeline
Project U-5981 is shown in the N.C. Department of Transportation’s State Transportation Improvement Program. The current milestone dates are shown below.
Milestone | Date* |
Public Meeting | July 2018 |
Selection of alternatives for study | Fall 2018 |
Public Meeting | Fall 2019 |
Selection of Preferred Alternative | TBD |
Environmental Document Complete | Summer 2027 |
Right of Way Acquisition | Fall 2028 |
Construction | Unfunded |
*Future dates subject to change
Public Involvement
Public involvement is an integral part of the planning process.
NCDOT encourages citizen involvement on transportation projects, and will consider your suggestions and address your concerns.
Comments/Questions
Comments may be submitted below, via phone, email ([email protected]), or U.S. Mail to the Project Manager listed below, or at any meeting.
All comments received carry equal weight, regardless of submission method.
All comments will be reviewed and suggestions/recommendations
incorporated into designs where feasible.
PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION
Terry Farr, PE
Project Manager
NCDOT Project Management Unit
1582 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1582
919-707-6017
RESOURCES FOR PROPERTY OWNERS
Although the N.C. Department of Transportation works to minimize the number of homes and businesses displaced by a road project, it is inevitable, in many cases, that a certain amount of private property is needed. The following information explains right of way acquisition and answers questions about the process.
Right-of-Way Brochure Single Page Layout Folleto del Proceso de Adquisición de Bienes Raíces
Right-of-Way Frequently Asked Questions
Right of way Acquisition Process Videos