Browne Road Hucks Road

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Browne Road / Hucks Road Improvements

Browne/Hucks
This project will realign the intersection, add turn lanes and a traffic signal.

What's happened? This project is being designed by Engineering & Property Management's in-house design group. Public meetings were held on June 3, 2010 (Click here to view the meeting minutes) and October 5, 2010 (Click here to view the meeting minutes and here to view the powerpoint presentation). For a list of answers to the most frequently asked questions, click here. An overlay of the design (80% complete) is shown below using Google Earth. The Project Team met with a small group of citizens on November 3. Click here for:

Nov 3 Meeting Minutes

Nov 3 Q & A

What's next? The project is complete and in the warranty phase until spring 2014.

Who to contact? Alan Morrison, 704-336-7266 or David Hodges, Construction Inspector, 704-577-5585.

This transportation project will improve the intersection of Hucks Road and Browne Road by realigning the intersection, constructing turn lanes and installing a traffic signal.

Reminder: Parts of Browne Road will be closed as North Carolina's Department of Transportation (NCDOT) builds a bridge over I-485.

Objectives:

Upgrade intersection to better accommodate current traffic needs.
Improve the ability of school buses to use this intersection.
Improve access to the Amber Leigh subdivision.
Improve the sight distance on Browne Road approaching the Amber Leigh Way intersection.
Provide the following safety improvements: Better intersection geometry (T-Intersection); Flatter curve; Added signal; Added dedicated left turn lanes (Amber Leigh Way and Hucks-Browne Intersection); Wider travel lanes (11 foot versus 9 foot); Removal ofsight distance obstructions; reduced speed limit.

The project limits on Browne Road are from Amber Leigh Way Drive to approximately 1000 feet north of the intersection with Hucks Road. Along Hucks Rd, the project extends to approximately 600 feet west of the intersection with Browne Road as shown below.

History/Background
In 2007, CDOT saw an opportunity to leverage funds from the City and local developers to improve the Hucks/Browne intersection. Local development and traffic growth in the area increased the need for improvements and provided an opportunity, particularly when the Amber Leigh Subdivision required a left turn lane for access. The Hucks Landing and Sweetbriar subdivisions, and the Croft Community School are also examples of local growth impacting this busy intersection.

Above: the overlay of improvements to Hucks Road and Browne Road (design estimated at 80% complete)

Project Issues:

Traffic increased 13% from 2008 to 2009
While the overall number of crashes is low, there is a disproportionately severe crash rate for the intersection. (5 of 14 crashes involved injury and 1 fatality occurred).
14 reported crashes in five year period
A 2009 traffic count study indicates that the intersection meets the requirements for installation of a traffic signal.

Hucks Road and Browne Road began as country farm-to-market roads. Their winding, narrow 9-foot lanes and horizontal curve will be improved near the Hucks and Browne intersection. Also, the sight distance will be improved near the hill, just south of Amber Leigh Way Drive. New 35-foot wide pavement will provide space for two 11-foot travel lanes and an 11-foot turn lane.

Specifically, the project includes:

Signalization and realignment of intersection at Hucks Road and Browne Road
8-foot horizontal roadside shoulder
Removal of sight distance obstruction at Amber Leigh Way
Dedicated left turn lanes
Re-designed roadside ditch
Installation of sidewalk in project area
Partial relocation of earthen berm

The Project Does Not Include:

Burial of overhead utilities
Steel mast arms
Curb and gutter
Underground storm drainage
Installation of flashing caution lights
Thoroughfare lighting
School bus pads

Tentative schedule for project
November 2010: The Design Phase will be complete including resolution to the sight distance problem.
December 2010 to mid-June 2011: The necessary real estate and property easements will be acquired.
March 2011 to August 2011: Utilities will be relocated so that construction can begin.
August 2011 - December 2011: Construction will take place.

Sight Distance Issue
One concern for citizens is the sight distance looking from Amber Leigh Way Drive south on Browne Road. Below are before and after photos from the design consultant that will resolve this issue.

Current view: limited sight distance from Amber Leigh Way.

Future plan: improved sight distance from Amber Leigh Way.

Cost: $1,200,000
Please note that the project cost will include all costs associated with the project such as planning and design, acquiring the right-of-way, utility relocation, design fees, construction, signalization, landscaping and permits.

The Engineering & Property Management (E&PM) project team will manage the Browne Road/Hucks Road Project through a four stage process. Click here to learn how City projects are selected, designed and built.

Project Contacts:
Alan Morrison, PE, Engineering Project Manager, 704-336-7266
Matt Magnasco, PE, Transportation Project Manager, 704-336-3368
James Shapard, PE, Transportation Project Manager, 704-432-5728