Raleigh targets New Bern Ave. for transit improvements

During a transportation workshop last week, staff identified the corridor as a top-priority project for increased bus service and bicycle and pedestrian access.

Raleigh Transit Administrator David Eatman said New Bern was chosen over other Raleigh corridors because it is already Capital Area Transit’s most heavily used route. Plans for improving the corridor have already begun with the New Bern Avenue Corridor study approved last year.

bus route map

As part of the overall plan, there would be increased bus service and pedestrian infrastructure, such as sidewalks, which could lead to more economic redevelopment in the area.

Eatman said when the project is fully built out, it will have a rail-like experience, with 12 identified stations that will have electronic bus arrival times and route information.

Lanes on New Bern Avenue will be dedicated for buses and right-turn-only during peak hours, and used for either parking or regular traffic flow during off-peak hours.

The traffic lights on New Bern would have signal prioritization so that late-running buses will get green lights to make up time.

Buses would run every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 15 to 30 minutes during off-peak hours and on the weekends.