Pedestrian and road safety is one of my key priorities this term. Y’all might be having dry January or trying a new fitness regime, but my New Year’s resolution is safety on our roads, no matter how we get around.
In 2023, Raleigh reported 23,295 vehicular crashes with 247 individuals seriously injured and 41 fatalities. Of the fatalities, 25% were pedestrians. We can’t prevent all traffic crashes but improving road conditions can go a long way. I’m committed to identifying crash hot spots and implementing best practices to safeguard our community.
I asked the City Manager to identify the top 10 vehicular and top 10 pedestrian/bicycle intersections for crashes to ensure that next year’s budget includes funding to improve these sites. Raleigh should be safe for everyone, no matter how we get around. When walkers have continuous sidewalks, folks who ride the bus feel more comfortable getting to their bus stop, encouraging transit use. When road lanes, pedestrian crossings and bike paths are well marked, vehicles have better visibility and fewer traumatic interactions.
The following vehicular crashes unfortunately made the top 10 list from District D:
#2 Edwards Mill Road at Wade Avenue (#35 Statewide): The City has already obtained federal funds to install pedestrian crossing infrastructure at existing unsignalized crossings and add protected signal phases. I am committed to ensuring this work is completed as fast as possible.
#8 Edwards Mill – Trinity (#87 Statewide): We have obtained federal funds to install signalized pedestrian crossings at the two legs of the intersection that currently lack them and make upgrades to existing signal heads.
#10 Blue Ridge – Wade (#123 Statewide): Both signals at the Blue Ridge Road/Wade Avenue interchange will receive signal upgrades as part of the future Blue Ridge Road Bike-Ped capital improvement program project.
The following pedestrian & bicycle crashes made the top 10 list from District D:
#5 Western Boulevard at Kent Road/Method Road (#20 Statewide): This is adjacent to a major work zone. NCDOT’s I-440 Improvement project will construct a new interchange including a sidewalk up to the intersection of Western/Kent/Method along the southern side of Western Blvd. City staff worked with NCDOT to lower the speed limit on Western Boulevard from 45mph to 40mph. More interventions are likely needed here.
#10. Western Boulevard at Avent Ferry Road (#35 Statewide): The City worked with NCDOT to add a leading pedestrian interval in October 2017. This is a major pedestrian thoroughfare for NC State students. More is needed here: a tunnel or bridge have been proposed but will need to be considered in concert with Western Blvd’s bus rapid transit.
#11 Wilmington Street at Chapanoke Road (#38 Statewide): I include #11 on the list because it’s the reason this topic motivates me so. In 2022, a District D resident was killed crossing the street to reach her bus stop. I don’t want this to happen ever again. The City has obtained federal funds to make safety improvements at this intersection along with two others (Glenwood at Hilburn, Hammond at Rush). Improvements will include leading pedestrian intervals, curb bump-outs, signal head reflective back plates, and protected phases for side streets.
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