PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The N.C. Department of Transportation is proposing to improve U.S. 15-501 (Durham Chapel Hill Boulevard) and Garrett Road (S.R. 1116), within the City of Durham. This project will upgrade the at-grade intersection to an interchange.  The purpose of the project is to reduce congestion and improve traffic operations at the intersection. 

Vicinity Map:  

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The N.C. Department of Transportation is proposing to improve U.S. 15-501 (Durham Chapel Hill Boulevard) and Garrett Road (S.R. 1116), within the City of Durham. This project will upgrade the at-grade intersection to an interchange.  The purpose of the project is to reduce congestion and improve traffic operations at the intersection. 

 

PROJECT HISTORY

Three interchange designs were developed for the project: 

  • Alternative A is a tight diamond that would carry U.S. 15-501 over Garrett Road. 

  • Alternative B is a tight diamond that would carry Garrett Road over U.S. 15-501.

  • Alternative C is an interchange with roundabouts at the ramp terminals of U.S. 15-501 and Garrett Road.

 

A public meeting was held on October 9, 2017 to present the alternatives and get feedback from the public.

 

Based on the public comments received and a preliminary evaluation of impacts and costs,

NCDOT selected Alternative A for detailed study in the project’s environmental document.

This Alternative is a 'Tight Diamond' interchange that would carry U.S. 15-501 over Garrett Road. 

 

Alternative A causes the least impact to the Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit project,

the least impact to properties at the intersection, and

meets the purpose and need of the proposed project. 

 

NCDOT considers many things when making decisions on transportation projects. 

On this project, items investigated include:

property impacts, cost, traffic operations, and impacts to the Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit Project (D-O LRT).  

*The Durham-Orange Light Rail transit Project (D-O LRT) has been suspended at this time. 

PROJECT STATUS

The U-5717 project is progressing through critical phases, with notable attention to right-of-way acquisition and adjustments in construction consultation as the project scope has been extended. The eastern boundary now reaches SW Durham Drive, and the western extension includes the MLK Jr Parkway interchange.

Given the extension of the project both eastward to SW Durham Drive and westward to MLK Jr Parkway interchange, the construction consultation phase has been updated accordingly.

This includes:

  • Updating engineering designs and environmental assessments to reflect new corridor limits.
  • Coordinating with local agencies and utilities for utility relocation and service continuity.

Next Steps

  • Complete ROW acquisition and resolve any compensation or relocation negotiations.
  • Finalize revised construction documents that detail the changes from the recent extensions.
  • Secure permits and approvals for the new segments.
  • Initiate pre-construction activities, including utility work and site preparation, for the entirety of the updated corridor.

The U-5717 project continues to advance, with ongoing attention to stakeholder engagement and adaptation to the expanded project scope. Regular updates will be provided as milestones are met, and the project moves toward the construction phase.

Project Timeline

 

Milestone

       Date*

Public Meeting

October 9, 2017  

Environmental Document Signed

November 27, 2018  

Right of Way Acquisition Began

April 21, 2019  

Utility Relocation by OthersNovember 3, 2025

Construction

October 2027  

* Future Dates are subject to change 

Project Funding

This project is listed as Project U-5717 in the FY 2020-2029 STIP and is funded for $43.4 million.  

Task

Estimated Cost*

Right of Way Acquisition, Utilities, and prior costs

$ 20,413,786  

Construction Costs

$ 53,300,000  

Total Cost

$ 73,713,786  

* Cost as shown in Currently Adopted STIP and are subject to change 

Comments

NCDOT accept comments during all phases of project development.  Comments should be submitted via the project email:    us15-501andgarrett@publicinput.com

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION

John Braxton

NCDOT Project Manager

NCDOT Division 5

1573 Mail Searvice Center

Raleigh, NC  27699-1573

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

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