News Summary
The Raleigh City Council is set to enhance safety measures for pedestrians and bicyclists after a rise in traffic accidents. Residents have voiced concerns over dangerous intersections and driver behavior, prompting the council to prioritize infrastructure changes. Planned curb enhancements aim to improve visibility and safety. Community support for these initiatives is strong, though challenges remain with funding and traffic management. The city is evaluating high-risk intersections to address safety concerns and reduce accident rates.
Raleigh City Council Plans Safety Improvements for Pedestrians and Bicyclists Amid Rising Accident Rates
The city of Raleigh is moving forward with plans to enhance safety measures for pedestrians and bicyclists, following an increase in traffic-related accidents involving vulnerable road users. Local residents and officials have expressed concerns about the rising dangers and the need for strategic infrastructure improvements.
Concerns from Residents About Pedestrian Safety
James Denzer, a resident of the Glenwood South neighborhood, has reported experiencing numerous close calls while walking in Downtown Raleigh. Denzer has voiced frustration regarding drivers who often ignore crosswalk signals and do not stop for pedestrians, raising safety concerns for those navigating the busy downtown area. His experiences highlight the ongoing risks faced by pedestrians in high-traffic zones of the city.
Planned Infrastructure Changes to Improve Visibility and Safety
In response, the City of Raleigh plans to extend curb enhancements at crosswalks to increase visibility and improve safety for pedestrians. Although specific timelines for these curb extension projects have not been established, city officials state that these modifications are a prioritized step toward making crossings safer for all users. This initiative aims to address issues such as poor visibility that contribute to accidents and near misses.
Community Support for Safety Initiatives
Among local residents, there is support for the city’s safety plans. Downtown Raleigh resident Megan Tillotson expressed optimism that these changes will lead to safer crossing environments, especially given the escalating number of pedestrian incidents. Such community backing underscores the importance of these preventive measures.
National Context: Rising Pedestrian Fatalities
Nationally, pedestrian safety concerns are amplified by data from the Governors Highway Safety Association, which reports that over 7,000 pedestrians are killed annually in the United States. Importantly, pedestrian fatalities are rising at a faster pace than overall traffic deaths, prompting cities across the country to reassess safety measures for vulnerable road users.
Challenges for Public Transportation and Parking
Local business owners are also navigating the impacts of safety improvements on traffic flow and parking. Anna Grace Fitzgerald, owner of Copperline Plant Company, noted challenges related to buses turning at busy intersections, which can complicate traffic management. She also pointed out that curb extensions may temporarily reduce available parking spaces; however, she appreciated recent initiatives such as the introduction of two-hour free parking in city-owned lots, which have benefited nearby businesses.
Funding and Development Challenges
Recently, the Raleigh City Council abandoned plans to widen parts of Six Forks Road due to rising costs. The project’s budget increased from $56.1 million to $93.5 million, a 67% escalation, prompting officials to redirect funds toward more immediate safety improvements. The reallocated $60 million will now focus on completing a sidewalk gap near Carroll Magnet Middle School and other safety enhancements on Six Forks Road.
Community Concerns Over Increased Traffic
Residents living near Six Forks Road, such as Larry Helfant, have expressed concerns about increased traffic volumes as development continues in nearby North Hills without the completion of the roadway expansion. The delayed project has raised fears about congestion and safety risks for pedestrians and drivers alike.
Cost and Planning Constraints
City officials, including Mayor Janet Cowell, have indicated that rising land costs pose challenges to future transportation projects. The delays and cost increases reflect broader issues faced by municipal planners, who have already invested over $9 million in the Six Forks Road project since its initial study in 2012. A previously proposed plan to widen the road to a six-lane highway with designated bike and pedestrian paths has been abandoned, affecting future development plans.
Community and Advocacy Perspectives
Emile Hartman, executive director of the Midtown Raleigh Alliance, criticized the city’s decision to halt the Six Forks Road expansion, emphasizing the need for continued investment in the area. The halt in development has sparked debates about balancing cost, safety, and growth priorities.
Citywide Safety Assessment and Prioritization
The Raleigh City Council is currently evaluating nearly two dozen dangerous intersections for safety upgrades across the city. A dedicated committee has requested funding to incorporate these improvements into the upcoming budget cycle, aiming to target areas with the highest crash rates.
Most Dangerous Intersections
Among the identified intersections are Buffaloe Road at New Hope Road, ranked as the most dangerous driver intersection in Raleigh and 23rd statewide, and the intersection of Capital Boulevard and Calvary Drive, which reports the highest number of pedestrian and bicycle crashes in North Carolina. Safety advocates and residents acknowledge the importance of addressing these high-risk areas to reduce accidents and fatalities.
Community Impact and Personal Stories
Local residents, including friends Jamie Anstead and Octavious Johnson, have shared concerns over the increased danger posed by nearby roads, especially in light of the recent tragic death of a friend at a crosswalk. These personal experiences underscore the urgent need for targeted safety improvements across the city.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Mooresville Closes Major Intersection for Road Widening
Lawrence Downtown Bus Station Construction Delayed
Major Crash in Raleigh Flips Vehicle and Disrupts Traffic
Marshall Construction Projects Encounter Paving Delays
Building Collapse Disrupts Traffic in Hopkinton
Susquehanna Township Schools Closed Due to Bus Driver Shortage
Additional Resources
- ABC11: Downtown Traffic Safety Measures
- WRAL: Raleigh Scraps Six Forks Road Widening
- CBS17: Pedestrian Safety Focus in Raleigh
- Wikipedia: Pedestrian Safety
- Hoodline: Raleigh Enhances Pedestrian Safety
- WRAL: Concerns Over Pedestrian Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
