Pedestrian tunnel to connect parking lots at Carter-Finley Stadium, State Fairgrounds

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has awarded a contract to build a pedestrian tunnel under Trinity Road to connect the parking lots between North Carolina State University's Carter-Finley Stadium and the State Fairgrounds.

Work can begin as early as March 1 on the $4.3 million project, which was awarded to Crowder Construction Company of Charlotte.

Although the contract calls for the tunnel to be ready for pedestrians by Sept. 15, there is a financial incentive for the contractor to have it ready in time for the first three NC State home football games.

The tunnel will also provide a safe crossing for attendees to the state fair in October, when thousands of vehicles park on the stadium side of Trinity Road.

The project will close Trinity Road between March 1 and August 1, as the tunnel is being built. A detour route will send vehicles onto Edwards Mill Road, Wade Avenue and Blue Ridge Road to get around the work zone.

Access to the stadium and fairgrounds parking lots off Trinity Road during the closure will remain open through other entrances.