Project Background 

The Black Creek / White Oak Creek shared-use trails within Cary are one of Cary’s most important and recognizable trail systems, being one of the main trail corridors in Cary, part of the national East Coast Greenway, and a connector from Cary to Umstead State Park. The Black Creek Greenway portion of the corridor is already one of Cary’s longest and most popular greenways due to its length, its connection to key recreational and open space areas, proximity to downtown, and regional connections.  The greenway currently extends continuously for 7.1 miles from Lake Crabtree in the north to Bond Park in central Cary. However, a mini-gap exists on Maynard Road at Godbold Park. An existing midblock crosswalk with rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) connects the sidewalk on the north side of Maynard Rd with the greenway and Godbold Park on the south side. The narrow sidewalk segment, lack of directional signage, and especially safety considerations constitute a “mini-gap” in the greenway. The greenway is technically continuous at this location – but it does not provide a high-quality, comfortable connection with a high degree of safety. The crosswalk is located at a downhill portion of Maynard Rd, and fast-moving traffic and noncompliant drivers increase the risk for pedestrians and cyclists using the crossing.  

Project Overview 

This feasibility study will look at the opportunity to ultimately design a safer, grade-separated crossing that may result in the following benefits:  

• Increase safety and reduce the risk of vehicular and ped-bike conflicts with vehicle traffic 
• Reconnect communities and users isolated by the wide arterial (in other words, provide better connectivity for users of all ages and abilities, from the very young to the very old). 
• Improve the public realm + quality of life  
• Foster economic development 
• Provide opportunities for better stormwater management and improve water quality along Black Creek.  
• Promote public health by encouraging walking and bicycling. 

The goal will be to conduct a feasibility study for a potential underground, grade-separated crossing connection to replace the current at-grade crossing of Maynard Road, thus completing the Black Creek Greenway alignment across both sides of the road. This crossing will thus close the key gap in greenway connectivity, connecting north to the Research Triangle Park, Lake Crabtree, and Umstead Park; southeast to Downtown Cary; and southwest along the Black Creek Greenway to the Fred Bond Metro Park, northwest Cary, the American Tobacco Trail and points beyond. 

Public Engagement 

Cary has a well-documented history of robust public engagement.  Alta Planning + Design, Inc., with an office in Durham, is the lead consultant for the project. We anticipate having public input to receive feedback and once that is identified will notify the public. 

Schedule and Funding 

Funding to complete a feasibility study was received in the FY2024 budget. 

Status

Fall 2024 Update: Options for a bridge or tunnel have been developed and staff is reviewing and determining next steps.

Summer 2024 Update: A preliminary review of a tunnel under Maynard was completed. An additional study is currently being conducted to look at a bridge over Maynard. A final determination will be made as to which may be best.

Contact 

Phone: Dial 311 within Cary limits or (919) 469-4000 outside of Cary. 
Email: 311@carync.gov 

Paul Kuhn, PLA, ASLA 
Capital Program Manager 
paul.kuhn@carync.gov

Sandi Bailey, AICP 
Transportation Planning 
sandi.bailey@carync.gov