Project Overview
Planning and development are underway to improve traffic flow along U.S. 64 and several intersecting roadways in Wake County, from just west of Laura Duncan Road in Apex to U.S. 1 in Cary.
Communities in western Apex, Cary, southwestern Wake County, and nearby Chatham County have experienced substantial growth, resulting in heavy commuter traffic throughout the corridor. Current traffic volumes range from more than 40,000 vehicles per day near Laura Duncan Road to over 56,000 vehicles per day at U.S. 1, and these numbers are projected to increase by more than 40 percent by 2040.
Between 2012 and 2016, the corridor saw nearly 800 crashes—almost twice the statewide average for comparable highways—highlighting both growing congestion and the safety challenges created by frequent stop and go conditions during peak travel times.
Without improvements, traffic congestion related issues are expected to worsen:
- Drivers will face longer morning and evening commutes on U.S. 64.
- Residents will wait longer to cross or access U.S. 64 for trips to schools, jobs, and shopping.
- Crash frequency is likely to continue increasing.
- Students walking near Apex High School will experience heightened risk when crossing U.S. 64 during lunchtime or after school.
Construction Segmenting
Widening U.S. 64 requires extending the CSX railroad bridge located west of Laura Duncan Road. This work will be delivered as a separate construction contract (U-5301A) and completed before the highway project (U-5301), eliminating the current bridge span constraint and preventing conflicts between bridge construction and roadway improvements.
Environmental studies, public involvement activities, and the completed
Environmental Document have examined both the bridge and highway segments of the project and incorporated all necessary analysis for the corridor.
Project Funding
This project is listed as Project U-5301 and U-5301A in the N.C. Department of Transportation's State Transportation Improvement Program and is funded for a combined $342.5 million.
Right of way
| $5,600,000
|
Utility relocation
| $110,000
|
| Construction costs | $32,300,000
|
|
Total cost |
$38,010,000 |
Right of way
| $93,000,000
|
Utility relocation
| $4,400,000
|
Construction costs
| $207,100,000
|
*Estimated costs subject to change