As any Wake County resident will tell you, the area is booming and continues to grow at a rapid pace. With growth comes innovation, industry and opportunities. But growth also comes with challenges. One of the biggest challenges Wake County is facing is transportation and infrastructure. Perhaps you have seen those lovely orange and white cones at night as construction is happening on Six Forks Road, Lead Mine Road and the infamous Interstate 540.
In addition to improving transportation infrastructure for vehicles, making improvements for pedestrian and bike travel remains a priority for Wake County as alternate forms of travel become more popular.
The Blue Ridge Road Bike and Pedestrian Improvement Project is one such undertaking that the city of Raleigh has had in the works to address the issue. I had the opportunity to speak with Stephane A. Belinga, City of Raleigh Engineering Services Department Roadway Design and Construction Division Project Manager, to talk about the project.
“The Blue Ridge Road Bike and Pedestrian Improvement Project will significantly improve the safety and mobility for pedestrians and cyclists along Blue Ridge Road,” said Belinga. “It will effectively connect the Reedy Creek Trail with Carter-Finley Stadium and the Lenovo Center.”
Belinga explained that the project includes a pedestrian bridge that will span across Wade Avenue at Blue Ridge Road. The bridge will allow pedestrians to cross Wade Avenue safely and will also serve as a visual gateway to Raleigh.
Let the Building Begin
The project is now in the construction phase. According to Belinga, the first section of the bridge is scheduled to be installed by this Friday night, Oct. 3. The second section is scheduled to be installed the following week if weather allows. Belinga highlighted that the actual timeline for the construction is weather dependent. In good news, as we North Carolinians know, the weather won’t stay the same for long.
Belinga went on to provide a breakdown of the construction process.
“Once crews install the bridge sections, they will set up railings,” Belinga noted. “After that, they will place the steel, pour the concrete deck and install the fencing and lighting.”
Belinga explained further that while one crew works on the bridge, another crew will work on the rest of the project, which includes new sidewalks and a multi-use path. There is also a protected intersection being installed at the North Carolina Museum of Art, where Reedy Creek Road meets Blue Ridge Road.
In case you are unaware of what a protected intersection is, they are a type of setup that provide pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers with dedicated paths through the intersection.
“The design creates shorter and simpler crossings, improves visibility and reduces the likelihood of high-speed turns, resulting in a safer intersection for all users,” Belinga said.
According to Belinga, the project is scheduled to be done in the fall of 2026.
“The City [of Raleigh] started construction on the project in 2023,” Belinga explained. “However, the City decided to upgrade a major water service line within the project, and this design had to be integrated into our project plan and coordinated with adjacent NCDOT projects, resulting in a project delay.”
If you want to stay in the loop on the progress of the Blue Ridge Road Bike and Pedestrian Improvement Project, visit www.raleighnc.gov/projects/blue-ridge-road-bike-ped-improvement-project or call the City of Raleigh Engineering Services Department Roadway Design and Construction Division at 919-996-3763.