Project Highlights

This project would widen N.C. 50 (Creedmoor Road) between I-540 and just north of N.C. 98 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided roadway with a 23-foot raised median. 

Two concepts are being considered:

  • a traditional roadway and intersections

  • a reduced conflict intersection (RCI) corridor

Both alternatives would have curb and gutter from I-540 to Norwood Road and a shoulder section from Norwood Road to north of N.C. 98.  The recommended alternative may include elements of both the traditional and RCI designs. 

In addition, two options are being considered for the interchange of N.C. 50 with I-540:

  • improving the current diamond interchange

  • reconfiguring to a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI). 

The bridges on I-540 and N.C. 98 over N.C. 50 would not be affected with this project.


What is a Reduced Conflict Intersection?

While main street travelers may turn left, right, or travel straight through - just like at a conventional intersection - side street travelers who wish to cross or turn left at a reduced conflict intersection must first turn right and then make a U-turn to continue on their desired route.

The purpose of a Reduced Conflict Intersection is to improve vehicular mobility and safety by limiting the number of conflict points between vehicles during traffic maneuvers. A Reduced Conflict Intersection design reduces the potential for collisions by limiting the number of left-turns and moves traffic through an intersection more efficiently, ultimately translating into shorter travel times.

Reduced Conflict Intersections can help alleviate congestion while increasing travel capacity. Improved traffic flow is possible by simplifying traffic signal phasing (e.g., eliminating the need for left-turn signals or cutting down on the time spent at a traffic light) and allowing both directions of traffic to move simultaneously. 

Question title

Of the two concepts being proposed for this project, do you prefer one over the other?

Traditional Roadway and Intersections
89%
Reduced Conflict Intersections
10%
No Preference
2%
Closed to responses | 705 Responses

What is a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI)?

A diverging diamond interchange allows two directions of traffic to temporarily cross to the left side of the road. This movement provides easier access to an interstate. A DDI moves high volumes of traffic through an intersection wtihout increasing the number of lanes and traffic signals.

Benefits

A Diverging Diamond interchange allows free-flowing turns when entering and exiting an interstate, eliminating the left turn against oncoming traffic and limiting the number of traffic signal phases. It is also easy to navigate, eliminates last-minute lane changes and provides better sight distance at turns, which results in fewer crashes.

The interchange also reduces congestion by allowing traffic to keep moving through an intersection. 

Cost-Effectiveness

For improvement projects, a Diverging Diamond interchange often uses the existing bridge structure and the existing right of way, which eliminates the cost of building new structures and purchasing additional right of way.
 
Because many of the existing interchange features remain intact, the Diverging Diamond interchange is often built in less time than it would take to build a new interchange and with significantly less impact to motorists.
 
A Diverging Diamond interchange usually requires the purchase of less right of way and the construction of fewer lanes and bridge structures than traditional interchange types.

 

 

 

Question title

Of the two options being considered for the interchange of N.C. 50 with I-540 do you prefer one over the other?

Improve the current diamond interchange
60%
Diverging Diamond Interchange
29%
No Preference
12%
Closed to responses | 442 Responses

Question title

At Nipper and Shooting Club, which option do you prefer?

Current configuration (not aligned)
63%
Aligned
31%
No preference
6%
Closed to responses | 674 Responses

Question title

Multi-use path?

No
45%
Yes
34%
No Preference
21%
Closed to responses | 382 Responses

Project History

In January 2011 the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) completed the N.C. 50 Corridor Study. 

The  Study recommended:

  • widening N.C. 50 to a four-lane median divided roadway from I-540 to Norwood Road

  • realigning Nipper Road and Shooting Club Road

  • reducing the speed limit to a consistent 45-50 mph

  • providing wide outside lanes for bicycles and a multiuse path between NC 98 and Old Weaver Trail. 

On February 19, 2018 a Feasibility Study was completed by NCDOT for the project.  The Feasibility Study recommended:

  • widening to a four-lane divided curb and gutter section

  • upgrading the I-540/N.C. 50 interchange to a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) 

  • realigning Shooting Club Road to intersect Nipper Road 

  • signalizing the intersection of Club Road and Nipper Road 

  • upgrading the interchange of N.C. 98 and N.C. 50 with two one-way bridges on NC 98

Preliminary designs for the project are being developed.  The impacts of those preliminary designs will be analyzed and documented in the project's Environmental Document, a Categorical Exclusion (CE).  The CE is scheduled for completion in June 2027.

During this project development phase, an alternative will be recommended.  Once this phase is completed, the project will move into final design.  The project is currently unfunded for construction. 

Funding

Project U-5891 is shown in the N.C. Department of Transportation’s State Transportation Improvement Program, funded at $91.975 million.

 

 

Estimated Cost*

Right of Way Acquisition

$ 56,400,000

Utilities

$   1,700,000

Construction

$ 66,000,000

Total Cost – (ROW/Utilities/Construction)

$124,100,000

* Estimated Costs subject to change

Project Timeline

Project U-5981 is shown in the N.C. Department of Transportation’s State Transportation Improvement Program.  The current milestone dates are shown below.

Milestone

Date*

Public Meeting

July 2018

Selection of alternatives for study

Fall 2018

Public Meeting

Fall 2019

Selection of Preferred Alternative

     TBD

Environmental Document Complete

Summer 2027

Right of Way Acquisition

Fall 2028

Construction

    Unfunded

*Future dates subject to change

Public Involvement

Public involvement is an integral part of the planning process. 

NCDOT encourages citizen involvement on transportation projects, and will consider your suggestions and address your concerns.

Comments/Questions

 

Comments may be submitted below, via phone, email ([email protected]), or U.S. Mail to the Project Manager listed below, or at any meeting. 

All comments received carry equal weight, regardless of submission method. 

All comments will be reviewed and suggestions/recommendations

incorporated into designs where feasible.  

 

 

Question title

Are there comments or questions you wish to provide the project team?

Closed for Comments

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION   

                 

Terry Farr, PE

Project Manager

NCDOT Project Management Unit

1582 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, NC  27699-1582

919-707-6017

Question title

If you would like to be added to the project email list, please provide your e-mail.

 

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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