Background

DCHC MPO initiated a study of a 4-mile stretch along the US 70 corridor from I-885 to the future Northern Durham Parkway (near the Wake County border).  Originally an NCDOT road widening project (STIP U-5720), the MPO and City of Durham chose to explore alternatives to consider multimodal transportation options along the corridor. The goal of the US 70 East Corridor Study is to propose a safe, efficient, and equitable multimodal transportation system that offers a choice between public transit, pedestrian and bicycle use, and automobile travel.

The results of community engagement with businesses, neighborhoods, and those who use this corridor will help inform the improvements to this roadway.

Phase 2

Phase 2 of the study is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2024 and conclude in the spring of 2025.  Phase 2 will include:

• Additional traffic evaluation and analysis (Express Design Traffic Evaluation, or EDTE). This process will analyze the recommendations from NCDOT and the MPO.
• High level evaluations of the impacts and multimodal effectiveness of the recommendations.
• Public engagement efforts

PHASE 1

DCHC MPO, in consultation with STV Engineers and guidance from a Core Technical Team of stakeholders, conducted Phase 1 of the study.  Phase 1 began in July 2022 and concluded in May 2024.  The study team would like to thank the public, local agencies, and Core Technical Team members for participating in Phase I of the study.  The Phase 1 final report, appendices, and presentation to the DCHC MPO Policy Board from May 28, 2024 can be accessed below:

• US 70 East Corridor Study Phase 1 Report
• US 70 East Corridor Study Phase 1 Report Appendices
• US 70 East Corridor Study Phase 1 Final Report Presentation

The study team conducted a survey and several public engagement meetings from November 2022 through January 2023. The results, and a presentation and meeting video for the engagement, are available on the links below.

• Presentation that Summarizes Results

• Compilation of All Survey Comments

• Statements and Letters Received

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Presentation for Engagement Meetings

• Video of 12/15/22 Online Public Meeting

Second Round

The study team’s second round of public engagement occurred between August 21 and September 18, 2023.  Engagement opportunities included three in-person meetings, one virtual meeting, and an online survey (also available in print format) to gather feedback.  The following two draft concepts for the corridor were shared during the second round of public engagement and as part of the survey: 

The recording of the virtual meeting held on August 21, and the presentation that was shared, can be accessed below: 

Contact

For more information and to request addition to the study’s email notification list, please contact:

Andy Henry
Transportation Planner
DCHC MPO
4307 Emperor Blvd
Durham, NC 27703
Andrew.Henry@dchcmpo.org