Tryon Road (SR 1009), between Lake Wheeler Road and US 70-401, is in desperate need of repair, widening, and realignment, to better serve the south west Raleigh community. In 2010 several groups in south west Raleigh have worked diligently in advocating for road updates, improvements and ultimately the realignment of Tryon Road and the replacement of Bridge 259. Advocates have been in front of the city council numerous times and several councilors and city staff have supported our efforts with a tremendous response to the needs in our community.
The next City Council meeting planned for January 4, 2011 contains two milestones for our cause. First is the reduction of the speed limit from 45mph to 35mph with improved driver channelization (i.e. better lane management) at the intersection of Tryon and Junction Blvd. This will improve an intersection that has seen both minor and tragic accidents within the past year. We expect to see an immediate impact on the road if these recommendations are approved by council.
Second, and more exciting, is a request for an endorsement from council to cost share the Tryon Road improvements including Bridge 259 and the connection to the Renaissance Park neighborhood. This is longer term in scope but should have a significantly greater impact than anything we’ve seen done on the road to date. This would remove the “Garner Death Curve” from Tryon Road completely. [Media coverage 1, 2, 3]
We know a lot of people that visit this site will be very happy to hear that these items are in motion. That being said, they are by no means a done deal. If you are interested in seeing this become a reality, email or call your city councilor. You can email all the councilors and Mayor Meeker at once by clicking here. We hope to report on Wednesday that both recommendations passed and another hurdle for Tryon Road has been crossed.
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