Public feedback sought on Crabtree Valley traffic proposals

Congested streets along the Glenwood Avenue corridor have long been a problem, and traffic is expected to grow by as much as 70 percent by 2035.

A long-range transportation and land-use planning study is under way. Consultants presented preliminary recommendations for transportation improvements during the open house.

Some ideas being considered are routing more traffic to under-used Crabtree Valley Avenue behind the mall and changing ramps along Interstate 440.

Norman Watson, who has lived in Crabtree Valley since 1959, is looking closely at the proposals. He said he wants to make sure solutions are livable for area residents.

"Getting out of my subdivision, I don't know how you get out the way these roads are running," he said of the traffic congestion.

Jessica Symm is also among the Crabtree Valley residents who want something done soon to ease traffic.

"It is just ridiculous,” Symm said. “I don't know if more lanes are possible, but that would definitely help. Maybe more entrances to the mall."

There are no estimates on potential costs yet. Raleigh City Councilwoman Nancy McFarlane said budgets are tight for implementing recommendations, but traffic needs to be addressed.

"There is always the cost of not doing anything,” she added.

A traffic study draft report is expected to be present to the City Council in April. Public hearings will also be scheduled to discuss the recommendations.