Intersection Improvement Projects
The Town of Zebulon is experiencing rapid growth along several major corridors throughout town. As new neighborhoods are built and new residents move into our community, the increased traffic requires changes to our roadways to ease congestion and enable the safe, smooth movement of traffic. The Town is working with the NC Department of Transportation and various engineers, surveyors, contractors, and other firms to design and construct intersection improvements.
The growth in residential neighborhoods along Pippin Road is increasing the traffic at the intersection of Green Pace Road and North Arendell Avenue. A 2017 study by NCDOT indicated that a signal is warranted based on the traffic volumes and delays observed. In March of 2020, the Town of Zebulon hired an engineering firm to study the movements in the area between Green Pace Road, Riley Hill Road, and Proctor Street and to examine the various options for improving safety and traffic flow. The Town, engineers, and NCDOT ultimately decided to install a traffic light at Green Pace Road and North Arendell Avenue and to add turn lanes on North Arendell Avenue.
In October of 2020, the Town began designing the intersection, obtaining permits, and working with utilities in the area. The estimated construction cost is $1.3 million. Once construction is complete, NCDOT will take over all maintenance and repairs.
Project Timeline
PROJECT ACTIVITY | STATUS/ TIMEFRAME |
---|---|
Warrant Analysis (NCDOT) | COMPLETE - May 2017 |
Transportation Impact Study | COMPLETE - Mar 2020 |
Planning Discussions with NCDOT | COMPLETE - Aug 2020 |
Maintenance Agreement executed with NCDOT | COMPLETE - Aug 2020 |
Hire engineer for design, environmental permitting, surveying, utility coordination, & erosion control | COMPLETE - Oct 2020 |
Survey existing conditions and elevations | COMPLETE - Dec 2020 |
25% Construction plans completed | COMPLETE - Feb 2021 |
60% Construction plans completed | COMPLETE - Nov 2021 |
Obtain environmental permits | COMPLETE |
Coordinate with utilities in project area | COMPLETE |
100% Construction Plans approval by NCDOT | COMPLETE |
Complete Bid Documents, Estimates, & Specs | COMPLETE |
Contract for Construction | COMPLETE |
Contract for Construction Administration/CEI Services | COMPLETE |
Project Construction | ONGOING |
Project Closeout | Winter 2023 |
One area of rapid growth is near the intersection of Shepard School Road and Old Bunn Road/Proctor Street. A traffic study conducted in January of 2020 indicated that the volume of traffic flowing through the intersection would necessitate a light once the new neighborhoods were fully built. While NCDOT has this project in its long-range plans, the Town of Zebulon is moving forward with funding and constructing the improvements now in recognition of the project's importance to the Zebulon community. Once completed, NCDOT will take over all maintenance and upkeep for the intersection, from the monthly power bills to future infrastructure repairs.
Beginning in November of 2020, the Town is working with consultants, NCDOT, and other state agencies to install turn lanes and traffic signals at this intersection. The final design will improve safety and the flow of traffic. The estimated construction cost is $1.7 million.
While the Town of Zebulon works to implement these improvements, which typically take 3-4 years from design to construction, NCDOT is installing an All Way Stop at this intersection to address safety concerns and traffic back-ups on Old Bunn Road and Proctor Street.
Project Timeline
PROJECT ACTIVITY | STATUS/ TIMEFRAME |
---|---|
Warrant Analysis | COMPLETE - Jan 2020 |
Planning discussions with NCDOT | COMPLETE - Fall 2020 |
Maintenance Agreement executed with NCDOT | COMPLETE - Jan 2021 |
Hire engineer for design, environmental permitting, surveying, utility coordination, & erosion control | COMPLETE - Nov 2020 |
Survey existing conditions and elevations | COMPLETE - Mar 2022 |
30% Construction plans approval from NCDOT | COMPLETE - April 2021 |
60% Construction plans approval from NCDOT | COMPLETE - Nov 2021 |
Obtain environmental permits | COMPLETE - Jan 2022 |
Secure buffer mitigation credits | COMPLETE - Jan 2022 |
Hire right-of-way (ROW) agent | COMPLETE - Mar 2022 |
Purchase Easements and ROW | ONGOING |
Design water line relocations | ONGOING |
100% Construction Plans approval by NCDOT | Spring 2023 |
Complete Bid Documents, Estimates, & Specs | Spring 2023 |
Contract for Construction | Fall 2023 |
Contract for Construction Administration/CEI Services | Fall 2023 |
Project Construction | Spring - Fall 2024 |
Project Closeout | Fall 2024 |