More images of some added pedestrian connections being considered. I don’t think there’s any chance it doesn’t get approved today and I would say the questions raised about closing South St have at least led to more thought given to address those concerns by the city and we’ll end up with some improvements (purposeful pedestrian spaces, added public art, slip lane, etc)
27 Likes
Now that is not bad at all, as a replacement for the connectivity lost by closing South Street.
Now, is the bridge really necessary? Or could they just buld a retaining wall and pile up some dirt? In either case, it’s a solid proposal, and it’s nice that it’s only a very minimal detour. (The “slip lane” proposal before was quite a lot longer.)
12 Likes
Tbh I’d love for Raleigh to have MORE pedestrian bridges and walkways in general. Including one over Capital from Seaboard Station area to West St/Five Points neighborhood head
17 Likes
Agreed, I really like the cut thru, but I don’t particularly like the bridge. I do like being well separated from the traffic, but a elevated walk way seems to open the door to a number of problems, such as maintenance, ice and a trash collector underneath. Your idea of retaining wall seems like a better idea long term.
5 Likes
I agree with @pBeez here. If this bridge extended over McDowell and connected over into the City Gateway development I’d be all for it. But given that it doesn’t, there’s no need for a bridge.
The idea of a bridge from Seaboard toward Five Points is a nice one though.
3 Likes
That’s a good idea. Maybe there could be a future spur off the boardwalk to bridge over McDowell.
2 Likes
As a concept illustration was probably simpler to initially indicate the intent to provide a sloped (no stairs) pedestrian (bike?) connection via superstructure instead of trying to illustrate regrading the shoulder area and building retaining walls within NCDOT right-of-way. That will be a more complex negotiation for which there is not currently enough time to let it fully play out.
5 Likes
I love the bridge idea and I think the elevated experience would be preferred for safety and just visuals of the city. Anything that puts the ped safer over S. Saunders/Capital Blvd/Dawson/McDowell is a big win IMO.
5 Likes
I like a bridge versus zero no connectivity. Give me the bridge any day. Please and thank you.
2 Likes
Seems there are some noticeable seats empty 
Can anyone confirm Black and Jones aren’t even there? Pretty lame if they don’t want to go on the record against it.
5 Likes
Confirmed that they both have excused absences and are not present at the meeting.
The public commentary is set to begin after the initial info items. It’s happening right now:
1 Like
Neither of them have actual jobs as best as I can tell so not sure what could keep them both away from this…
Cowardice? Spite? Who knows. So this should easily pass then, right?
Just some timelines they had all in one slide
4 Likes
$2-3m to add the “slip lane”.
Wow
2 Likes
Ashley Christensen speaking in favor of closing South Street!
16 Likes
Traffic control being $1M of that budget. /s 
3 Likes
This guy from Boylan Heights is a clown… I couldn’t imagine having to hear him talk for more than these few minutes.
5 Likes
Why, is he funny?? (get it? because clowns?) - no but really, what’s he saying?