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South Road

Limits: South Columbia Street to Country Club Road
South Road

Purpose of Improvements

Creating separate space for bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists during periods of heavy use will improve the comfort and safety of travel through this corridor for all modes.

Existing Conditions

  • The street consists of two distinct cross sections:
    • Section A: South Columbia Street to Raleigh Street is 39 feet in width with no parking. A left turn lane is present between Bell Tower Drive and Raleigh Street.
    • Section B: Raleigh Street to Country Club Road is 34 feet in width with parking on both sides.
  • No existing bicycle accommodations.
  • Steep grade is a barrier for westbound bicyclists west of Bell Tower Drive.
  • Sidewalks are continuous on both sides of the roadway and are generally 8 feet in width with high volumes of pedestrians during class change periods.
  • There are major bus stops on both sides of South Road at the Student Union, bus operations with altered lane configurations should be addressed.
  • The roadway is maintained by NCDOT.

Short-Term Recommendation

Shared Lane Markings

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

Primary Implementation Challenges: None

Probable Construction Cost: $12,545

Long-Term Recommendation Options

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

Bicycle Lanes

Within section A, remove center turn lane and narrow travel lanes to provide 7-foot bicycle lanes. Within section B, narrow travel lanes and remove parking to provide 7-foot bicycle lanes.

Primary Implementation Challenges: removal of turn lane, allowing parking in bicycle lane during special events.

Probable Construction Cost: $78,370 total, Section A: $57,400, Section B: $20,970

Raised Bicycle Lanes

Within section A, remove center turn lane and narrow travel lanes to provide 7-foot raised bicycle lanes. Within section B, narrow travel lanes and remove parking to provide 7-foot raised bicycle lanes.

Primary Implementation Challenges: removal of turn lane, reconstruction of roadway edge to maintain clear separation between pedestrians and bicyclists, design for high volume bus traffic with stops at Student Union and drainage redesign.

Probable Construction Cost: $895,115 total, Section A: $481,985, Section B: $413,130

Cycle Tracks (One-Way)

South Road Long-Term Improvements, Option 3Maintain center turn lane and narrow lanes to add 7-foot raised cycle track in section A. If a rolled curb is utilized, parking could be allowed for special events in the cycle track. This will require some spot roadway widening or realignment between Bell Tower Drive and Raleigh Street. Can maintain either option 1 or option 2 in section B.

Primary Implementation Challenges: reconstruction of roadway edge to maintain clear separation between pedestrians and bicyclists, design for high volume bus traffic with stops at Student Union and drainage redesign.

Probable Construction Cost: $856,415