Happy Holidays from the Design/Construction Division team!  As the year winds down we are working to wrap up several construction projects that began over the spring and summer as well as finalizing several design projects that will begin construction in the upcoming year.  Just like the U.S. mail, the cycle never ends! 

In addition, the citizens of Raleigh passed a $75 million dollar transportation bond on October 8, 2013 that will bring an influx of funding to new projects over the next three years.  This new funding will allow some prior projects that were previously on hold in the final design stage to now begin the right of way acquisition and construction stages, as well as bump up several previously unfunded projects into the design stage.
 
We hope you enjoy our latest newsletter and please forward to others you feel would be interested in specific projects or would just like to stay in tune with the latest street and sidewalk projects in Raleigh!  If this is your first time reading our newsletter, you may subscribe via MyRaleigh Subscriptions (see link in the left sidebar) to keep up with all of our latest projects and initiatives in the Design/Construction Division.  Until our next newsletter in March, hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Chris Johnson, PE
Design/Construction Manager

Lake Wheeler Road Pedestrian Improvements

Construction of the Lake Wheeler Road improvements was completed in mid November, which completed pedestrian accommodations along the entire west side of the Lake Wheeler Road corridor between Tryon Road and Centennial Parkway (1.6 miles), as well as intersection improvements at Sierra Drive and Carolina Pines Avenue.  The intersection improvements will help to reduce traffic congestion and vehicle conflict points along the roadway corridor, reduce rear end collisions, and provide left turning traffic into the adjoining neighborhoods a "safe haven" while allowing through traffic to continue through the intersection without delay due to left turning traffic. 

This project cost was approximately $600,000 and was funded 80% by a Federal Transportation grant and 20% by the City's Capital Improvement Program.

Sanderford Road Widening

Construction is winding to a close on Sanderford Road between Griffin Circle and Elk Park Drive.  This project included road widening, curb and gutter, and sidewalk along the east side of Sanderford Road, as well as resurfacing the existing roadway. 

The awarded cost of construction was approximately $545,000 and was a petition project funded by the City's Capital Improvement Program. 

Marvino Lane Extension 

Construction of the Marvino Lane project was completed in October.  The project provides a new connection to US 70 from the adjacent residential developments, as well as a new third westbound lane along US 70 (Glenwood Avenue) between Marvino Lane and Country Trail.  The project provides curb and gutter and sidewalk, and included a double barrel culvert under Marvino Lane. 

The extension of Marvino Lane was a public/private joint venture project built in conjunction with the adjacent multi-family housing development. 

Oak Forest Drive

The Oak Forest Drive roadway project is now underway between Fox Road and Triangle Oaks Drive, which is being constructed as part of a public/private joint venture project.  This adds the easternmost section of Oak Forest Drive, which is a 2-lane undivided Avenue on the City of Raleigh Proposed Street Plan.  

The new roadway is 41' wide with 5' sidewalks on both sides. A 12" waterline was also  installed as part of the project.  Construction was funded 50% by the City of Raleigh and 50% by The Villages at Town Center, LLC.

Creedmoor Road Sidewalks

Construction was recently completed on the Creedmoor Road Sidewalks project, which completed all missing links along the entire 4 miles of the corridor between Glenwood Avenue and Strickland Road. 

The project also included realignment of some pedestrian crossings to reduce crossing distances, upgrades of non-ADA compliant ramps, installation of pedestrian refuges at key median locations, and setup for future pedestrian signalization modifications by the City’s Transportation Operations division.

The project had a budget of $500,000 and was funded 80% by a federal STP-DA grant and 20% by the City of Raleigh’s Capital Improvement Program.  

Hillsborough Street, Phase 2

The second phase of the Hillsborough Street improvements was approved to begin the design phase of the project by City Council at their June 18, 2013 meeting. 

Hillsborough Street, Phase 2 was funded for design in the 2013 Capital Improvement Program.  With the passing of the recent October $75 million transportation bond, the project is now also funded for right of way acquisition and construction, which will expedite the construction schedule by several years.  The project will improve the usability of the corridor by using a “complete streets” design approach to provide better access for traffic, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike. In the end, this will provide a fully functional multi-modal corridor, improve safety for motorists and pedestrians, and provide a sustainable solution along this important business district and the northwest perimeter of the NC State University campus.

This project will modify Hillsborough Street from the existing configuration of a multi-lane undivided roadway section to a 2-lane divided roadway with raised median from Gardner Street to Rosemary & Shepherd Streets. The project objective is to prepare and implement a streetscape plan to address needed improvements within the street right-of-way including sidewalk repair/replacement, traffic circles, street trees between the curb and sidewalk and overhead utility consolidation/cleanup while promoting Complete Street design standards.  The City is also implementing a public art component into the project.

Be sure to check out the new project web page for further details, project schedule, and other information as the project moves forward.

Sandy Forks Road Widening

The design of the Sandy Forks Road widening project is underway.  Sandy Forks Road is a 2-lane divided Avenue in the City of Raleigh's Proposed Street Plan.  It was approved by City Council at the June 18, 2013 and the design is funded in the 2013 Capital Improvement Program.  With the passing of the recent October $75 million transportation bond, the project is now also funded for right of way acquisition and construction, which will expedite the construction schedule by several years.

This project will include the widening and rehabilitation of Sandy Forks Road between Six Forks Road and Falls of Neuse Road, including installation of bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides of the roadway. The project will improve traffic capacity and congestion, pedestrian connectivity, safety, and provide a multi-modal solution between the residential and retail / business districts at each end of the corridor while promoting Complete Street design standards.  The project also includes water quantity/quality measures to reduce impacts of stormwater runoff to adjacent properties along the corridor.

Be sure to check out the new project web page for further details, project schedule, and other information as the project moves forward.

Lenoir Street/South Street Two-Way Conversion

The Lenoir Street/South Street Two Way Conversion Project was approved to begin the design phase of the proejct by City Council at their April 16, 2013 meeting.

Lenoir Street and South Street are two minor thoroughfare roadways in the City of Raleigh's Comprehensive Transportation Plan.  The project was funded in the 2013 Capital Improvement Program and will convert the remaining sections of these two roadways from their existing one-way configuration to two-way traffic.  The project also includes water/sewer replacements, storm drainage, traffic signal upgrades, and improved facilities for pedestrians, bicycles, and transit.  

A public meeting was held on November 4 to receive comments on the 25% design plans.  A second public meeting is tentatively scheduled in January 2014 to go over any changes to the design in response to the 1st public meeting.  Construction is  scheduled to begin in Fall 2014.

Vincent Dorsey

Construction Projects Coordinator

Vincent is a Construction Projects Coordinator in the Roadway Group of the Public Works’ Design/Construction Division. He is responsible for coordinating the design and construction of Private Utility conflicts on proposed Design/Construction roadway and sidewalk projects. 

Vincent has been with the City for 13 years, 8 years of which has been with the Design/Construction Division.  His latest projects included the recently completed Falls of Neuse Road Widening. He is also currently coordinating Private Utility relocation construction on the Leesville Road Widening and Sanderford Road Paving Project and coordinating on a vast number of other projects. 

In his spare time, Vincent enjoys spending quality time with his wife Angela, son Vincent Jr., and two granddaughters (Serenity-8, and Jaida-7).  Vincent also participates in church ministry and is very enthusiastic when it comes to fishing. 

Richard Homovec, PLS

Staff Surveyor

Richard joined the City of Raleigh in 2000 and is a Staff Surveyor in the Survey Services program of the Design/Construction Division.  Richard also serves as President of the Triangle Chapter for the NC Society of Surveyors (NCSS).

Richard Homovec started his career by earning an AAS Degree in Photography.  He was employed by WCTI & WITN as a photographer before joining the US Navy in 1977.  Following an honorable discharge and after studying Technical Marine Technology he accepted employment with NOAA. Transferring to the US Navy Military Sealift Command (MSC), he obtained his USCG endorsement as an able bodied seaman and worked on USN special projects, survey and cargo ships and other vessels until 1986. Richard followed with work at various private engineering companies in surveying and was employed by NCDOT for ten years. During this time Richard also obtained an AAS degree in Civil Engineering Technology and became a NC Professional Land Surveyor.

Richard was the Venue Transportation Manager for the Gov. James B. Hunt Horse complex for Special Olympics World Games 1999 in Raleigh. From 2000-2003 he was the Transportation/Security Manager for Special Olympics NC Summer Games.  Prior to State of NC intervention, he served on the Steering Committee for the Tall Ships event in Beaufort/ Morehead City. 

Richard's leisure activities include spending quality time with his wife Martha, bicycling, rowing 34 foot traditional boats and working in the NCMM Watercraft Center in Beaufort, gardening and reading.

Darion Pearce

Senior CAD Technician

Darion joined the City in 1986 as a surveyor and worked four years before being promoted to a drafter in 1990.  His is currently a Senior CADD Technician within the CAD Services program of the Design/Construction Division.

Darion's responsibilities include design and drafting support for several parts of the Division, including roadway design, sidewalk design, street improvement petitions, and street improvement assessments. 

Darion was heavily involved this year in drafting the new standard details booklet, to be adopted in conjunction with the new Unified Development Ordinance.  He has also Transportation Planning staff on several functional roadway designs for future road extensions around the City, and is currently working on the New Hope Church Road Sidewalk Improvements project.

In his off hours, Darion  spends time with his wife of 26 years, Barbara, and his two children (Daniel-22, and Elizabeth-18).  He is a former Boy Scout leader and member of the North Carolina Civil Air Patrol and is currently a member of the Lions Club. Darion also enjoys listening to classic rock and bluegrass music and watching John Wayne movies.