This section offers Cary citizens an update on the projects funded by the Shaping Cary’s Tomorrow Parks and Transportation Bonds overwhelmingly approved in a 2019 referendum.

Street Improvements Project

 

Construction of the 2023 Street Improvements Project began this quarter in the Wellsley, Highcroft, Reserve, and Landsdowne areas. Work will begin in Bond Pointe, Saratoga Park, and along Westhigh Street later this summer. To date, Cary has upgraded more than 40 curb ramps, replaced 500 feet of damaged curb, and placed 2,000 tons of asphalt. Construction is expected to be complete by winter.

 

The Kildaire Farm Road Improvements Project started last fall and will be substantially complete by August. This project includes burying overhead utilities, installation of a new waterline, safety enhancements, and resurfacing. Cary completed design and construction in close coordination with private development, including the Lee & Associates headquarters that is also substantially complete.

 

South Walker Street will be repaved from Fairview Road to Waldo Street later this summer following the completion of new sidewalk. The brick sidewalk closes one of the last remaining sidewalk gaps along the street. Other work this summer includes new streetlights, curb ramp upgrades, and the permanent installation of the four-way stop at South Walker and East Park streets. These mobility improvements will support the opening of the Downtown Cary Park.

CAMPO awarded Cary nearly $7.5 million in Locally Administered Project Program grant funding to remedy a sidewalk gap along Northwest Cary Parkway over Black Creek Greenway and to implement renovations to Black Creek Greenway to improve safety and accommodate increased pedestrian use. These projects will be combined into one construction project to help simplify construction coordination as well as minimize impacts for pedestrians and greenway users. Staff anticipates advertising for construction bids later this year.

 

In FY 2023, demand for GoCary service continued to increase, with fixed route ridership up 40% compared with FY 2022 and up more than 60% over the past five years. To support this increase, Cary started design work for Phase 3 of the bus stop improvement program, which will make the system nearly 100% ADA accessible. Staff also started design work for 56 new bus stops to support two new routes planned for FY 2025. Construction for these stops is scheduled to begin later this year. GoCary will continue to remain fare free in FY 2024, and there is also a full schedule of summer events to share information about service.

This spring, Bond Park hosted an exciting demonstration of autonomous vehicle technology. The N.C. Department of Transportation partnered with Cary to bring an all-electric, driverless shuttle to Bond Park. The CASSI (Connected Autonomous Shuttle Supporting Innovation) ran a four-stop route from the Cary Senior Center to Bond Park Community Center on weekdays from March through May. During those three months, CASSI hosted over 1,700 passengers, more than half of whom were from outside of Cary. Over 92% of riders said they had a good experience riding CASSI with 80% commenting they found the shuttle ride safe. Building on that, nearly 88% of riders supported seeing more driverless shuttles in Cary.

Throughout the trial, Cary hosted several groups to experience CASSI. A first-ride event was held with Council, other elected officials, and the media in March. Other events throughout the pilot included Regional Transportation Alliance, Urban Land Institute, AARP, Federal Highway Administration, and Reedy Creek Middle School. Cary will continue to work with the NCDOT as it brings CASSI to the University of North Carolina-Charlotte for the next demonstration.

Council approved an ordinance amendment allowing electric-assisted bicycles on greenways following a successful pilot. This approval included the creation of a Greenway Safety Campaign. Staff and a consultant will develop this campaign with a three-pronged approach — education, engagement, and technical review. Messaging will stress respect among all user groups and the reminder that greenways are a resource for the whole community. 

This quarter, Cary hosted a public meeting to share the results from data collection and analysis of nearly 500 acres of conservation land along White Oak Creek from N.C. 55 to the American Tobacco Trail. Participants learned of findings and provided feedback on desires for access and amenities. The theme among comments was to provide access and educational opportunities while preserving the environment and natural appearance of the area. The project is progressing, with final management plan recommendations anticipated in spring 2024.

Public engagement for Phase 1 of the Cary Bike and Micromobility Plan began in April with events, bike rides, and public surveys. At Spring Daze, more than 200 bikes were parked using the bike valet service, which received positive feedback. Hundreds of students participated in Bike and Roll to School Day in May, raising awareness about greenways, bike facilities, and the bike plan. Cary also engaged with the public during other events, such as Wheels on Academy, Cary 101, and the Habitat for Humanity Neighborhood Transportation Fair. 

Online engagement around the plan, including a mapping tool and survey questions, is underway. The survey, which opened in April, garnered more than 2,000 comments and 17,000 responses. In addition, the Bike Plan Focus Group, a citizen-based group, had its first meetings in April and May. Members discussed topics such as network analysis, engagement opportunities, and bicycle facility design. Cary will hold additional public meetings and workshops to develop the plan, which is expected to be complete fall of 2024.

 

North Carolina’s Year of the Trail in 2023 is a celebration of the state’s thousands of miles of trails, greenways, and blueways. To join the celebration, Cary hosted numerous events, including a gathering at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, a rock painting activity, a greenway bike ride, a Greenway Bike and Bubbly event, and the ATT Great Trails Day. To round out the yearlong celebration, Cary will host a walk along the Carpenter area greenways and a Greenway Hike and Pints event this fall. Also during Year of the Trail, Cary became a member of the Great Trails State Coalition to further advocate for the community and the state’s branding as the Great Trails State.