Raleigh Advances Sustainable Public Transit with Bus Rapid Transit Project

Introduction

In 2025, Raleigh is set to make significant progress on its first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line along New Bern Avenue, a project aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Project Approval and Scope

At a recent Raleigh City Council meeting, approval was granted for the first phase of a three-part construction plan for the BRT corridor. This initial phase marks the beginning of Raleigh’s first BRT line out of four planned routes, which will span approximately 20 miles with an estimated total cost of $96.75 million.

Phase One Details

• Paving, sidewalk, and utility work along New Bern Avenue and Wilmington, Blount, and Edenton Streets
• Connecting downtown Raleigh to Poole Road, WakeMed hospital, and terminating at New Hope Road
• Installation of approximately 5.4 miles of BRT corridor including 3.3 miles of dedicated bus lanes
• Construction of 19 bus platforms and 10 stations along New Bern, Morgan, Edenton, Blount, and Wilmington Streets
• Addition of sidewalks and multiuse paths from downtown to Sunnybrook Road, enhancing pedestrian connectivity
• Improvement of pedestrian crossings and installation of trees and public art to promote environmental sustainability and community well-being

Contract and Construction Timeline

1. The contract for phase one was awarded to Rifenburg North Carolina, LLC, with a bid of $28,664,500.
2. Construction is scheduled to commence in the fall of 2025.
3. Subsequent phases include:
   • Phase two: Road construction from Poole Road to I-440 along New Bern Avenue, with bids opening in September 2025.
   • Phase three: Road construction east of I-440 and station construction, with bids opening in December 2025.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

This BRT project supports multiple SDGs by:

• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Enhancing urban mobility through reliable and efficient public transit, reducing traffic congestion and pollution.
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Developing resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation in public transportation systems.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Improving access to healthcare facilities such as WakeMed hospital via enhanced transit connectivity.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Promoting environmentally friendly transportation options to reduce carbon emissions.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Creating job opportunities through construction and maintenance phases.

Community and Regional Impact

Since 2016, when Wake County voters approved a 0.5¢ sales tax increase to fund regional transit improvements, this project has been a key component in linking public transit networks across communities. The BRT aims to provide frequent, reliable service and enhanced access, contributing to equitable and sustainable urban development.

Conclusion

The Raleigh BRT project represents a decade-long commitment to sustainable urban transportation, aligning with global goals for sustainable development. Its phased implementation and community-focused design demonstrate a strategic approach to building resilient infrastructure that benefits residents, supports economic growth, and protects the environment.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article discusses the construction of Raleigh’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line, which involves infrastructure development and innovation in public transportation.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The BRT project aims to improve urban mobility, connect communities, and enhance access to public transit, contributing to sustainable urban development.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • By promoting public transit and reducing reliance on private vehicles, the project supports efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The BRT route connects riders to WakeMed hospital, improving access to healthcare facilities.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The project includes planting trees and installing public art, contributing to urban greenery and environmental quality.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport.
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road (implied by infrastructure development).
   • Passenger kilometers traveled by public transport per capita (implied by BRT usage).
2. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age and persons with disabilities (implied by the BRT corridor and stations).
   • Proportion of urban green space in cities (implied by tree planting and multiuse paths).
3. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Greenhouse gas emissions per capita (implied reduction through increased public transit use).
4. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Proportion of population with access to essential health services (implied by improved transit access to WakeMed hospital).
5. SDG 15 Indicators
   • Forest area as a proportion of total land area (implied by urban tree planting).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: indyweek.com