Title
Proposed US 15-501 Study Scope (10 minutes)
Doug Plachcinski, AICP, CFM, DCHC MPO Executive Director
Narrative
The Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO) completed a detailed study of the US 15-501 corridor from Ephesus Church Road in Chapel Hill to University Drive in Durham in 2021. The project team analyzed existing conditions, proposed recommendations, and created a final report and conceptual design. However, the MPO Board determined the study’s recommended improvements did not meet the Board’s adopted Goals and Objectives and declined to adopt the study. The MPO Board updated the Metropolitan Transportation Plan project description for the corridor from a freeway conversion to a boulevard conversion and modernization in 2022.
The DCHC MPO wants a consultant to collaborate with stakeholders to create a multimodal corridor solution that supports the MPO’s adopted Metropolitan Transportation Plan’ goals and objectives. We anticipate a recommended corridor alternative that provides access for all users, decreases energy consumption and emissions, improves safety, increases operational efficiency, and respects the natural and built environments.
Board Action
TC Action: Recommended that the MPO Board approve the proposed US 15-501 study scope.
Board Action: Approve the proposed 15-501 study scope.