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. 

NW Cary Parkway Sidewalk and Pedestrian Bridge

On Nov. 4, Cary held a virtual public meeting with more than 50 participants to discuss the future Northwest Cary Parkway Sidewalk and Pedestrian Bridge at Black Creek Greenway. Design concepts were well received, and comments mainly focused on pedestrian connectivity outside the project limits. Cary is currently working on a separate project, including signal and sidewalk installation, at the intersection of Norwell Boulevard and Northwest Cary Parkway that will address most of the pedestrian connectivity comments. Preliminary construction plans have been submitted to N.C. Department of Transportation for review, environmental permitting efforts are ongoing, and right-of-way acquisition is scheduled to begin in early 2022.  

Street Improvements Project

The 2021 Street Improvements Project, which includes maintenance of about 26 miles of streets and a stormwater improvement in the Meadowmont neighborhood, reached substantial completion this quarter. Design of the 2022 project is ongoing, and construction is expected to begin this spring. Staff is also working on using technology to better share pavement condition data. 

Cary’s fire apparatus will now experience guaranteed green lights en route to emergency response locations. This is made possible by devices installed in the trucks that communicate with those installed at every traffic signal in Cary’s network. Cary activated the new emergency vehicle preemption system in December, and it will be monitored by Traffic Engineering and Fire Department personnel over the coming months. The communication devices installed at Cary’s traffic signals will also allow information, such as red light warnings and pedestrian notifications, to be shared with Cary drivers. 

GoCary reached an important milestone this fall, celebrating two decades of service. A favorite among passengers, bus driver Annette Whitley was also recognized for 20 years behind the wheel. 

Regional service continued to expand with the launch of the Morrisville Smart Shuttle in October. Operated by GoCary, this free shuttle provides on-demand transit service to 15 locations throughout the Town of Morrisville, with additional connections to GoTriangle and Research Triangle Park. Riders use a mobile app, similar to Uber or Lyft, to request trips and track vehicles when waiting for a pickup. In addition, the Greater Triangle Commuter Rail study led by GoTriangle is wrapping up, with a final report and service recommendations expected in late spring.

Work on phases 1 and 2 of the Reedy Creek Road Widening Project, including installation of sidewalks along both sides of the street from Harrison Avenue to Maynard Road, is now complete. As part of phase three, the traffic pattern shifted to the outside lanes to allow the contractor to work in the center of the street to complete the roundabouts and median islands. The overall project is scheduled to be complete this summer.  

Safety concerns for pedestrians and motorists prompted small but meaningful changes around Cary this quarter. 

• Addition of pavement markings and signage, as well as vegetation changes on West Lake Road near West Lake Middle School to improve sight distance
• Removal of shrubs and tree limbs at the intersection of Walnut Street and Ryan Road to open up sight lines following several crashes and congestion
• Addition of a pedestrian crosswalk, warning signs, centerline striping, and new stop bars at Chadmore Drive and Wayfield Lane in the Windermere neighborhood in response to cut-through traffic