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Mason Farm Road

Limits: Fordham Boulevard to South Columbia Street
Mason Farm Road

Purpose of Improvements

This connection would improve north-south connectivity through the middle of campus. This connection should be improved through planned redevelopment and/or light rail construction. This would also create an important east- west connection between the Arboretum Trail and the UNC Hospitals.

Existing Conditions

  • Mason Farm Road consists of two distinct cross sections:
    • Segment A: There is a 20- to 22-foot roadway with speed humps between Fordham Boulevard and East Drive
    • Segment B: There is a 34- to 48-foot roadway with some on-street parking between South Columbia Street and East Drive.
  • Provides a less steep alternative route into North Campus to South Columbia Street and Manning Drive.
  • The Campus Master Plan proposes the roadway be widened to 4 travel lanes, but does not recommend separate bicycle accommodations.
  • A future light rail alignment is envisioned parallel to Mason Farm Road on the north side with a station stop near the intersection of Mason Farm Road and East Drive.
  • This section provides a connection from the student residences located on Mason Farm Road to North Campus.
  • The Campus Master Plan shows a relocated Mason Farm Road on its northern end.
  • This roadway is maintained by the Town of Chapel Hill.

Short-Term Recommendation

Shared Lane Markings

Add shared lane markings in the center of the outside lanes with BICYCLES MAY USE FULL LANE signs.

Primary Implementation Challenges: none

Probable Construction Cost: $15,440

Long-Term Recommendation Options

Further study will be required to select one of the following options.

Cycle Track

As part of a roadway widening or reconstruction project, add a two-way cycle track to the north side of the roadway.

Primary Implementation Challenges: Coordination with light rail and future roadway reconstruction project

Probable Construction Cost: $1,527,280

Bicycle Lanes

As part of a roadway widening or reconstruction project, add 6 foot bicycle lanes to both sides of the roadway.

Primary Implementation Challenges: Coordination with light rail and future roadway reconstruction project

Probable Construction Cost: $1,648,800