Construction under way on Raleigh's New Bern Avenue BRT; lane closures in place

City staff and the senior project manager for the New Bern Avenue bus rapid transit project said construction of the corridor has begun and that motorists should expect lasting and temporary lane closures during work.

“We're here on New Bern Avenue today, the future home of North Carolina's first bus rapid transit system, otherwise known as BRT,” a city staff member said, describing the project as a high-capacity transit service intended to speed and improve efficiency for riders.

Aya Aldez, senior project manager for the New Bern BRT project, said crews have started underground utility work and must replace aging pipes before above-ground construction can proceed. “Crews already started on the construction of the underground utility,” Aldez said, and she said the work is focused on the outbound section between East Street and Twain Street.

Aldez described traffic impacts in the active work area: the far-right lane is closed permanently, the middle lane will be closed daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on-street parking along that section has been removed. She said the lane that is now closed will be converted to a dedicated bus lane after the project is finished.

The staff member also outlined service and station features planned for the BRT line: dedicated lanes, traffic signal priority to give buses earlier green lights, level boarding and specialized stops equipped with ticketing machines and real-time arrival signs. The project will include new sidewalks and a multi-use path intended to improve safety and travel options for cyclists and pedestrians along New Bern Avenue.

For ongoing project updates and construction notices, the staff member directed residents to raleighnc.gov and suggested subscribing to monthly updates or following RaleighTranspo on social media.

The presentation consisted of an on-site construction update rather than a formal vote or ordinance; no motions or formal board actions were reported during the visit.