Transportation Projects

Town of Apex Street and Sidewalk Projects

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Lake Pine Drive Improvements (U-5537)

Planning, design, and right of way acquisition to allow future expansion of Lake Pine Drive to a three-lane roadway with bicycle and pedestrian facilities at Apex Community Park. This includes a median-divided crosswalk across Lake Pine Drive at Versailles Drive.

• Status: Currently Under Construction
• Lead Agency: Town of Apex, Adam Stephenson, (919) 249-3417
• Anticipated Completion: Spring 2023
• Project Map
• Final Roadway Plan View Sheets

Apex Peakway Southwest Connector (U-5928)

The Apex Peakway is planned to serve as a loop around the Town of Apex. The Southwest Connector project would complete a missing gap in the loop at South Salem Street by constructing a bridge over South Salem Street and the CSX railroad tracks. The project will require the permanent closure of Tingen Road at the existing at-grade railroad crossing, east of the project location, according to the Corridor Master Agreement with CSX and NCDOT. In the interim, a temporary traffic signal has been installed at the Tingen Road / Justice Heights Street intersection with South Salem Street.

• Status: Property acquisition in progress
• Lead Contact: Town of Apex, Russell Dalton, (919) 249-3358
• Finalizing construction contract documents for NCDOT approval
• Project included in 2021 Transportation Bond Referendum for construction funding gap
• Estimated Construction: mid-2023 through mid-2025
• Estimated Construction Cost: $25 million
• Final Design Plans (July 2022)

Status Update (March 2023)

Right of way acquisition was completed and certified by NCDOT in February 2023.  The Town is updating traffic signal plans according to newly issued NCDOT requirements and renewing state and federal permits while awaiting approval from CSX Transportation for encroachments in the railroad right of way.  Once CSX issues approval and all updated plans and permits are approved, contract documents can be finalized and submitted to NCDOT to request Construction Authorization.  Construction is anticipated to start in summer 2023 subject to NCDOT approval.

Open House Information and Visualizations

• 2018 Open house handout
• Visualization board
• Project map
• Visualization 1, Visualization 2, Visualization 3, Visualization 4, Visualization 5

Environmental Documentation (January 2018)

The environmental documentation requirements under National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) have been completed and approved. The full documentation can be found below:

Approved Categorical Exclusion (PDF)

Traffic Noise Report (February 2017)

In February 2017, the North Carolina Department of Transportation approved the Traffic Noise Report completed for the Apex Peakway Southwest Connector project. Traffic noise impacts and temporary construction noise impacts can be a consequence of transportation projects. The Traffic Noise Report utilized computer models created with the latest Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA’s) Traffic Noise Model software to predict noise levels and define impacted receptors (locations) along the proposed new roadway project. Five impacted residential receptors were identified. Noise abatement for each impacted receptor was found to be either not reasonable or not feasible. Please review the report for detailed information.

Neighborhood Meetings (February-March 2017) 

In response to comments received at a public open house in December of 2016, the Town hosted additional meetings for those neighborhoods adjacent to the project, including: Shangri-La Mobile Home Park (February 20, 2017), Whitehall Manor (March 6, 2017), and Salem Village (March 14, 2017). During the meetings the project team reviewed the preliminary design of the Apex Peakway Southwest Connector project, discussed comments and responses received during the open house held in December, and offered an opportunity for attendees to ask any additional questions.

View the presentation delivered at the neighborhood meetings

Apex Peakway Southeast Connector

The Apex Peakway is planned to serve as a loop around the Town of Apex. The Southeast Connector project would complete a missing gap in the loop south and east of downtown from NC 55 to Schieffelin Road, and include roadway improvements and renaming of Schieffelin Road to extend Apex Peakway to Center Street. The project would require crossing through the north side of Apex Mobile Estates and impacts to other residential and commercial properties along the route as well as other connecting roadway realignments and changes to existing access. 

• Status: Feasibility study complete, not under construction
• Lead Agency: Town of Apex, Russell Dalton, (919) 249-3358
• Estimated Construction: Not funded
• Feasibility Cost Estimate: $17.1 million

Project Update - Feasibility Study

The purpose of the feasibility study is to guide project planning by: providing a functional design and estimated costs, gathering and responding to initial public input, and identifying potential problems that may require consideration in the future planning and design phases. The report can be accessed from the following link: Feasibility Study Report

The feasibility study was informed through public outreach including an open house held on November 2, 2017 and presentation to Town Council on August 7, 2018. The project is currently not funded but will continue to remain on long range plans. When final design is funded there will be additional public outreach as part of that effort.

• Project Map
• Town Council Presentation
• Public Input

Downtown Safe Routes to School and Transit Connections (BL-0047) - Safe Routes to School

This project addresses multiple high-priority safe routes to school for Baucom Elementary and Thales Academy K-5. This project will complete pedestrian routes to Baucom Elementary, Thales Academy K-5, GoApex Route 1 bus stops, GoCary Apex-Cary Express bus stops, and GoTriangle Route 305 bus stops. This project includes construction of pedestrian facilities along sections of Apex Peakway, Hillcrest Road, Cash Street, Pate Street, Hunter Street, and Ambergate Station. This project also includes pedestrian crossing improvements at the intersection of N Salem Street and Hunter Street. 

• Lead Agency: Town of Apex, Russell Dalton, (919) 249-3358
• Status: Design underway
• Project Map (PDF)

Hinton Street and Saunders Street Sidewalk - Safe Routes to School

This project addresses a high-priority safe routes to school need by completing sidewalk along Hinton Street and Saunders Street. These sidewalks will complete a pedestrian route to Baucom Elementary School. 

• Lead Agency: Town of Apex, Adam Stephenson, (919) 249-3417 
• Status: Design underway
• Sidewalk Plans (PDF)

Jessie Drive Improvements and Extension

Advance Apex: The 2045 Transportation Plan shows Jessie Drive as a four-lane, median-divided thoroughfare extending from Ten Ten Road to Veridea Parkway. In February 2020, the Town completed a feasibility study for the improvement and extension of Jessie Drive from Ten Ten Road to NC 55. The feasibility study identified the need to divide the Jessie Drive Improvements and Extension project into phases, and prioritized the section of Jessie Drive from Ten Ten Road to future Production Drive as Phase 1. 

• Lead Agency: Town of Apex, Russell Dalton, (919) 249-3358
• Feasibility study complete for Jessie Drive improvements and extension from Ten Ten Road to NC 55
• Design underway for Phase 1 - Jessie Drive improvements and extension from Ten Ten Road to future Production Drive
• Right of way acquisition anticipated 2022-2026
• Construction anticipated in 2026

Current Status (August 2021)

The Town of Apex is in final design of Phase 1 of the Jessie Drive Improvements and Extension Project. Phase 1 of the project improves the existing roadway heading west from Ten Ten Road to the boundary of the Horton Park private development project as a four-lane divided road at the intersection with Ten Ten Road tapering down to a two-lane road, half of the ultimate four-lane section.  A U-turn bulb will be provided west of Sweetgum Drive to allow for drivers heading west on Jessie Drive to turn around beyond the median and access Sweetgum Drive.  Ten-foot wide side paths for pedestrians and cyclists will be constructed on both sides of the road.  Horton Park is responsible for improvements and extension from that point heading further west to future Production Drive/Horton Park Drive, with ten-foot side path on the south side of the road.  Horton Park is anticipated to begin construction on their residential development area including extension of Jessie Drive and turn lanes at Ten Ten Road in 2021 subject to final plan and permit approvals.  A traffic signal is planned for Jessie Drive at Ten Ten Road subject to NCDOT approval when signal warrants are met.

Final Design Public Hearing (February 2021)

A public hearing was held at Apex Town Council on February 9, 2021 for a Possible Motion to recommend modifying Jessie Drive Phase 1 final design plans to remove the proposed U-turn bulb-out and include the Sweetgum Access Alternative while keeping Sweetgum Drive connected to Jessie Drive as a right-in/right-out access as presented; and, Possible Motion to recommend continuing the 10-foot side path westward along the north side of Jessie Drive in the Phase 1 final design plans to the intersection at future Production Drive/Horton Park Drive. Town Council continued that discussion to the February 23^rd meeting as Unfinished Business.

The continuation of this item as Unfinished Business on February 23^rd resulted in approval of keeping the U-turn bulb-out as currently proposed in the roadway plans to serve the proposed right-in/right-out condition of Sweetgum Drive, not continuing the ten-foot side path beyond the Horton Park boundary, and directing staff to review and propose potential amendments to the Transportation Plan for future local connectivity to Sweetgum Drive.  The Transportation Plan has since been amended by Council to address that concern.

Final Design Public Open House (July 2020)

A public open house was held on July 16, 2020 at Apex Town Hall.  Preliminary plans were shared with the public and the design team received public comments.

Feasibility Study Final Report (February 2020)

The purpose of the feasibility study is to guide project planning by: evaluating concepts and recommending a preferred alternative, providing a functional design and estimated costs, gathering and responding to initial public input, and identifying potential issues that may require consideration in future planning and design phases. The report can be accessed from the following link: Feasibility Study Report (PDF)

Laura Duncan Road Sidewalk - Safe Routes to School

This project will address a high-priority safe routes to school need by completing the sidewalk gap along the east side of Laura Duncan Road between Pinewood Drive and Knollwood Drive. This sidewalk will complete a pedestrian route to Apex High School.

• Lead Agency: Town of Apex, Adam Stephenson, (919) 249-3417
• Status: Property acquisition in progress
• Estimated Construction: 2023
• Project Map (PDF)
• Sidewalk Plans (PDF)

N Salem Street Sidewalk - Safe Routes to School

This project will address a high-priority safe routes to school need by completing the sidewalk gap along the east side of N Salem Street between Apex Peakway and Thales Academy Junior High / High School. This sidewalk will complete a pedestrian route to Thales Academy Junior High / High School.

• Lead Agency: Town of Apex, Adam Stephenson, (919) 249-3417
• Status: Property acquisition in progress
• Estimated Construction: 2023
• Sidewalk Plans (PDF)

W Chatham Street Sidewalk (EB-6046) - Safe Routes to School

Concrete sidewalk will be constructed to complete the gap along the south side of W Chatham Street between Saunders Street and Hunter Street. This project also includes installation of a crosswalk across Hunter Street at the intersection with NC 55. The purpose of this project is to improve connectivity to downtown Apex, multi-family residences, and Baucom Elementary school. The sidewalk project will be constructed in conjunction with a planned water line replacement.

• Lead Agency: Town of Apex, Matt Echols, 704-974-6903
• Status: Property acquisition in progress
• Estimated Construction: 2023
• Project Map (PDF)
• Sidewalk Plans (PDF)

NCDOT Projects

Dates provided for the anticipated start of construction for each NCDOT project are based on the State Transportation Improvement Program. This 10-year program of funding is updated approximately every two years.

Apex Peakway at Old Raleigh Road (SM-57050)

This project includes construction of a northbound right turn lane on Apex Peakway at the intersection with Old Raleigh Road.

• Lead Agency: NCDOT
• Project Contact: Russell Dalton, (919) 249-3358
• Estimated Construction: 2022
• Preliminary Roadway Plans (PDF)

NC 55/East Williams Street/Technology Drive Intersection Improvements (HL-0007)

This project proposes to convert the intersection of NC 55 with Technology Drive and East Williams Street to a Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI), also commonly referred to as a superstreet, and restrict access along sections of East Williams Street.  The project also proposes widening of NC 55 to Sunset Lake Road and construction of pedestrian facilities along both sides of the corridor.

• Lead Agency: NCDOT
• More information and project contact information at: https://publicinput.com/NC55-Technology-Williams

NC 55 (Williams Street) Widening (U-2901)

Widen NC 55 (Williams Street) from US 1 to Olive Chapel Road to a multilane curb and gutter facility.

• Lead Agency: NCDOT, Project contacts: John Braxton, NCDOT Division 5, (919) 707-6219,Tim Goins, VHB, (919) 741-5572
• Anticipated Start of Construction: 2031

Public Open House (August 30, 2018)

The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) held a public open house regarding the proposed improvements to NC 55 in Apex, NC between US 1 and Olive Chapel Road. The purpose of this meeting was to present the latest project information and proposed roadway design, gain community input, and answer questions regarding the proposed project.

Questions or comments should be directed to Zahid Baloch, NCDOT, (919) 707-6012. More information including project maps and documents are available online at: Public Meetings.

Public Open House (May 9, 2017)

The N.C. Department of Transportation held a public meeting regarding the proposed widening of N.C. 55 (Williams St.) from U.S. 1 to north of Olive Chapel Road (S.R. 1160) to a multi-lane curb and gutter roadway in Apex. See the meeting materials below.

• Public meeting map – Alternative 1
• Public meeting map – Alternative 2
• Public meeting handout
• Comment form
• FHWA information about median-divided roadways

NC 540 Southeast Extension

The proposed "Complete 540" project, also known as the Southeast Extension, would extend the Triangle Expressway from the NC 55 Bypass in Apex to the US 64/US 264 Bypass in Knightdale, completing the 540 Outer Loop around the greater Raleigh area.

• Lead Agency: NCDOT, (800) 554-7849,Project email
• Project website
• Construction Underway

US 64 Corridor Upgrades and Improvements (U-5301)

Upgrade the US 64 corridor from Laura Duncan Road in Apex to US 1 in Cary. It is anticipated that the project will upgrade the at-grade intersection at Lake Pine Drive to an interchange and the at-grade intersection at Laura Duncan Road to an interchange. More information is available online at: Apex Cary

• Lead Agency: NCDOT, Ryan L. White, P.E. Senior Transportation Engineer (919) 865-7374
• Anticipated Start of Construction: 2029

Ten-Ten Road Widening (U-5825)

Widen to multi-lanes from the Apex Peakway in Apex to Kildaire Farm Road in Cary.

• Lead Agency: NCDOT, Zahid Baloch, NCDOT Division 5, (919) 707-6012,Lauren Triebert, VHB, (919) 741-5524
• Anticipated Start of Construction: 2030

Public Meetings (Held October 23, 2018 and March 1, 2018)

The NCDOT held an open house for the proposed widening of Ten Ten Road from Apex Peakway to Kildaire Farm Road. Maps of the proposed alternative were displayed and project team members were available to discuss the project, answer questions, and provide feedback. Maps are available online on the NCDOT Public Meetings Website: Public Meetings

Recently Completed Projects

GoApex Route 1 Bus Stops (TM-0026)

This project included construction of 40 bus stops along the upcoming GoApex Route 1, the Town's first local bus route. All bus stops have an accessible boarding pad and signage. Bus stops with high anticipated ridership include additional amenities such as a bench, trash receptacle, and bike racks. More information on GoApex Route 1 is available on the GoApex and Regional Transit page. 

• Completed: 2022
• Lead Agency: Town of Apex
• Construction Contact: Adam Stephenson, (919) 249-3417
• Transit Service Contact: Katie Schwing, (919) 249-1043
• Bus Stop Plans (PDF)
• GoApex Route 1 Map

East Williams Street Sidewalk (EB-5895)

Concrete sidewalk was constructed on the east side of NC 55 (East Williams Street) and along Bobbit Road from Sunset Lake Road northward, providing connections to existing sidewalk along NC 55 and Sunset Lake Road. The purpose of this project is to provide a pedestrian route and improve connectivity in an area with heavy pedestrian use and activity centers.

• Completed: 2022
• Lead Agency: Town of Apex, Adam Stephenson, (919) 249-3417
• Project Map 

Kelly & Apex Barbecue Sidewalk (C-5604 AA) - Safe Routes to School

Concrete sidewalk was constructed on the east side of Kelly Road from Beaver Trail to Apex Barbecue Road. Asphalt multi-use path was constructed on the south side of Apex Barbecue Road from Kelly Road to Scotts Ridge Elementary School, including modifications to the bridge over NC 540 to add a concrete barrier between the pedestrian path and the roadway.

• Completed: 2022
• Lead Agency: Town of Apex, Adam Stephenson, (919) 249-3417
• Project Map

Tingen Road Sidewalk Section 1 - Safe Routes to School

This project addressed a high-priority safe routes to school need by completing gaps in the sidewalk along the east side of Tingen Road between James Street and Peace Haven Place. This sidewalk completed a pedestrian route to Apex Elementary School.

• Completed: 2022
• Lead Agency: Town of Apex, Adam Stephenson, 919-249-3417
• Sidewalk Plans (PDF)

Tingen Road Sidewalk Section 2 - Safe Routes to School

This project addressed a high-priority safe routes to school need by completing the sidewalk gap along the east side of Tingen Road between Apex Peakway and Baberton Drive. This sidewalk completes a pedestrian route to Apex Elementary School. 

• Completed: 2022
• Lead Agency: Town of Apex, Adam Stephenson, 919-249-3417
• Sidewalk Plans (PDF)

S Salem Street at Tingen Road / Justice Heights Street Traffic Signal

This project included installation of a wood pole traffic signal with signalized crosswalks and associated roadway improvements to channelize and improve turning movements for the offset intersection. The traffic signal will be owned and operated by NCDOT as a temporary signal, until the Apex Peakway Bridge over South Salem Street is constructed and open to traffic, and subsequently the Tingen Road railroad crossing must be closed at that time as part of the Town’s Corridor Master Agreement with CSX and NCDOT.  

• Completed: 2021
• Lead Agency: Town of Apex, Adam Stephenson, (919) 249-3417
• Pavement marking plan sheet
• Traffic signal plan sheet

Laura Duncan Road Pedestrian Improvements (EB-6019) - Safe Routes to School

The Laura Duncan Road Pedestrian Improvements project altered the roadway design between Apex Community Park and North Salem Street to improve safety of pedestrians crossing Laura Duncan Road.

• Completed: 2021
• Lead Agency: Town of Apex, Adam Stephenson, (919) 249-3417
• Project Vicinity Map (PDF)

Roberts Road Pedestrian Improvements - Safe Routes to School

This project addressed a high-priority safe routes to school need by completing gaps in the pedestrian facilities along the south side of Roberts Road between Crestmont Ridge Drive and Brincefield Place and adding a high-visibility crosswalk with pedestrian refuge west of Crestmont Ridge Drive.

• Completed: 2021
• Lead Agency: Town of Apex, Adam Stephenson, 919-249-3417
• Pedestrian Improvement Plans (PDF)

Old US 1 at New Hill Olive Chapel Road / New Hill Holleman Road Traffic Signal

A wood pole traffic signal was installed at the intersection of Old US Hwy 1 and New Hill Olive Chapel Road/New Hill Holleman Road. Both roadways are state-maintained. This project did not include roadway improvements. The traffic signal is owned and operated by NCDOT.   

• Completed: 2021
• Lead Agency: Town of Apex, Russell Dalton, (919) 249-3358
• Traffic signal plan sheet 

James Street to Downtown Apex Pedestrian Improvements (U-5530 AC) - Safe Routes to School

This project completee a pedestrian route from south of James Street to N Salem Street, in the heart of downtown Apex.

• Completed: 2021
• Lead Agency: Town of Apex, Adam Stephenson, (919) 249-3417
• Project Map (PDF)

Green Level Church Road at Jenks Road Traffic Signal 

Green Level Church Road at Jenks Road is planned for a wood pole/span wire traffic signal and associated roadway improvements. Both roadways are maintained by NCDOT and the traffic signal will be owned and maintained by NCDOT. Apex is responsible for the traffic signal and the developer of the Reams Grove subdivision is responsible for southbound and westbound left turn lanes. 

• Completed: 2023
• Lead Agency: Town of Apex (traffic signal); Developer (roadway improvements) 
• Traffic Signal Plan Sheet