City plan to ease traffic around Crabtree Valley Mall gathers dust

Raleigh, N.C. — For years, Raleigh city leaders have talked about ways to relieve traffic around Crabtree Valley Mall. A $30 million street extension has been on the drawing board as a fix for the congestion, but not everyone is in favor of it.

The proposal is to extend Crabtree Valley Avenue from Creedmoor Road to Glenwood Avenue. While the proposed roadway is only a third of a mile, there are a lot of issues to address.

Before moving forward, city leaders would have to consider several issues, such as BB&T's lease on property in the path of the extension.

Crossing Crabtree Creek would be another obstacle.

"It has been a road that has been on the map forever,” Mayor Charles Meeker said. "It is one of those things you probably wouldn't do even if you had the extra money.”

City leaders have pulled the project from their comprehensive plan, but are reviewing the possibility of conducting a traffic study on the area.

"We really need to have that study to make the best judgment,” Councilwoman Nancy McFarlane said.

McFarlane said it is important to weigh the city's options, while Meeker said it is time to put the idea to rest.

"Realistically, I do not think it is going to happen," Meeker said.

The traffic study could cost the city around $250,000.