Fuquay Varina Pedestrian Plan - Adopted 8-1-2022

FUQUAY-VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN

Prepared for the Town of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina Prepared by Alta Planning + Design

2022

Acknowledgments

Table of Contents Executive Summary Chapter 1: Introduction ....................................................................................6 Chapter 2: Existing Conditions ....................................................................................14 Chapter 3: Infrastructure Recommendations ....................................................................................38 Chapter 4: Program & Policy Recommendations ....................................................................................72 Chapter 5: Implementation ....................................................................................82 Appendix A: Design Resources Appendix B: Funding Resources Appendix C: Public Outreach Appendix D: Comprehensive Network Maps (Zoom-ins) Appendix E: Priority Project Cost Estimates

Thank you to the local residents, community leaders, and Town staff that engaged in the development of this plan through meetings, mapping, public outreach, comment forms, and plan review. Special thanks to those who provided invaluable direction as Steering Committee members, listed below.

Steering Committee Blake Massengill, Mayor Anthony DiMarzio, Parks Recreation, & Cultural Resources Matt Poling, PE, CFM, Engineering Jim Seymour, Assistant Town Manager Captain Tim Smith, Police Department Tracy Stephenson, PE, Public Works Dani Almeyda, Downtown Association Kate Davis, Chamber of Commerce Edna Gaston, Senior Commission Terry Nolan, Wake County Planning Betty Parker, Wake County Public School System Marcella Rorie, Wake County Public School System Bonnie Sluder, Wake County Public School System Heather Johnson, Fuquay-Varina Elementary Principal Danielle Castelli Strader, Torrenti Cycles Chris Robinson, Resident

Town of Fuquay-Varina Project Team Pam Davison, PLA, Planning

Allyssa Holman, Planning Melissa Sigmund, Planning Allison Wylie, Planning

NCDOT Project Contact Nick Morrison, Integrated Mobility Division

Project Consultants Alta Planning + Design

This project was made possible by NCDOT’s Planning Grant program.

The information and data contained in this document are for planning purposes only, and intended only for the specific purpose and client for which it was prepared. This document is conceptual in nature and not suitable for final design or construction. It should not be relied upon as a representation, express or implied, of final size, location, or dimensions. Any reuse or improper reliance on this document without written authorization and adoption by Alta shall be without liability to Alta.

FUQUAY-VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN

SCHOOL

EXISTING GREENWAY EXISTING SIDEPATH EXISTING SIDEWALK

RD PROPOSED GREENWAY PROPOSED SIDEPATH PROPOSED SIDEWALK PROPOSED SIDEWALK/SIDEPATH (CENTERLINE)

RECOMMENDATIONS

PARK

STREAM/RIVER PROJECTS CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT

APEX RECOMMENDATIONS Ä 55 OLD POWELL RD

£ 401

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SIGNAL HIGH VISIBILITY CROSSWALK

RAILROAD

PROJECT VISION Fuquay-Varina will have a pedestrian network for all ages and abilities that enhances connectivity to the downtowns, parks, schools, jobs, and neighborhoods on safe and accessible sidewalks and greenways. This well-designed, interconnected network will showcase the unique downtowns and suburban landscape of Fuquay-Varina. This pedestrian plan builds on progress made since the approval of the 2013 Fuquay- Varina Community Pedestrian Plan. Since 2013, progress has been made through strategic Town investments, NCDOT roadway expansion projects, and private development that has incorporated pedestrian facilities such as sidewalks, crosswalks, sidepaths, and greenways. This document provides an updated framework for the Town of Fuquay-Varina to continue strategically building better connections for walking throughout the community. 2022 FUQUAY-VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

FUQUAY-VARINA JURISDICTION

IN DEVELOPMENT

HOLLY SPRINGS

CARY

TWO-BAR CROSSWAK ARTISTIC CROSSWALK

GARNER

OTHER MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY

PRIORITY PROJECTS SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS & PARKS PROJECTS

COUNTY BOUNDARY

Ä 55

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E ACADEMY

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HOLLY SPRINGS INFRASTRUCTURE RECOMMENDATIONS With the fast pace of development continuing in Fuquay-Varina, multiple sidewalk and shared use path projects are currently in development (see map to the right/top). Building on this, priority projects are identified to continue filling in gaps in the pedestrian network (see map to the right/

CARY

Ä 42

JUDD

DICKENS RD

£ 401

OLD POWELL RD

£ 401

Ä 55

Ä 42

BRUCE DR

JUDD

ANGIER

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£ 401

RECOMMENDATIONS

FEATURES AND BOUNDARIES SCHOOL

EXISTING FACILITIES

EXISTING GREENWAY EXISTING SIDEPATH EXISTING SIDEWALK middle). Additional gaps in the network were highlighted to connect schools and parks (see map to the right/bottom). See Chapter 3 and Appendix D of this document for comprehensive pedestrian network recommendations.

RECOMMENDATIONS PROPOSED GREENWAY PROPOSED SIDEPATH PROPOSED SIDEWALK PROPOSED SIDEWALK/SIDEPATH (CENTERLINE) PROPOSED GREENWAY PROPOSED SIDEPATH PROPOSED SIDEWALK EXISTING GREENWAY EXISTING SIDEPATH EXISTING SIDEWALK PRIORITY PROJECTS RECOMMENDATIONS OLD POWELL RD EXISTING FACILITIES APEX

£ 401

ANGIER

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FEATURES AND BOUNDARIES SCHOOL DR STREAM/RIVER

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PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SIGNAL HIGH VISIBILITY CROSSWALK

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PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SIGNAL HIGH VISIBILITY CROSSWALK

RAILROAD

IN DEVELOPMENT

FUQUAY-VARINA JURISDICTION FUQUAY-VARINA JURISDICTION

IN DEVELOPMENT

HOLLY SPRINGS

TWO-BAR CROSSWAK ARTISTIC CROSSWALK

CARY

OTHER MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY OTHER MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY

E ACADEMY PRIORITY PROJECTS SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS & PARKS PROJECTS

GARNER

COUNTY BOUNDARY

PROJECT GOALS

Ä 55

Ä 42

JUDD

The Six E's are the general categories of programming that provide a balance of active transportation efforts. See Chapter 4 for further detail. PROGRAM/POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

I ncrease L ivability through A ctive T ransportation

DICKENS RD

E nhance C onnectivity

I mprove H ealth

£ 401

OLD POWELL RD

£ 401

P rovide A ccess to N atural A reas

G enerate a P ositive E conomic I mpact

I mprove S afety

P romote E quity

Ä 55

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RECOMMENDATIONS

FEATURES AND BOUNDARIES SCHOOL

EXISTING FACILITIES

EXISTING GREENWAY EXISTING SIDEPATH EXISTING SIDEWALK

£ 401 PROPOSED GREENWAY PROPOSED SIDEPATH PROPOSED SIDEWALK PROPOSED SIDEWALK/SIDEPATH (CENTERLINE) RECOMMENDATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS EXISTING FACILITIES

PARK

STREAM/RIVER

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THE PLANNING PROCESS

FEATURES AND BOUNDARIES SCHOOL

Fostering a culture that supports and encourages active transportation

EXISTING GREENWAY EXISTING SIDEPATH EXISTING SIDEWALK

PROPOSED GREENWAY PROPOSED SIDEPATH PROPOSED SIDEWALK

PARK PROJECTS CONNECTING TO SCHOOLS & PARKS IN DEVELOPMENT FUQUAY-VARINA JURISDICTION

TWO-BAR CROSSWAK ARTISTIC CROSSWALK

STREAM/RIVER OTHER MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY

Ä 55

APEX

IN DEVELOPMENT PRIORITY PROJECTS SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS & PARKS PROJECTS PRIORITY PROJECTS

Monitoring eorts to increase active transportation and planning for the future

Creating safe, connected, and comfortable places for bicycling and walking

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SIGNAL HIGH VISIBILITY CROSSWALK

RAILROAD

FUQUAY-VARINA JURISDICTION COUNTY BOUNDARY

HOLLY SPRINGS

TWO-BAR CROSSWAK ARTISTIC CROSSWALK

GARNER

CARY

OTHER MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY

COUNTY BOUNDARY

FINAL FUQUAY- VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN

PROJECT COORDINATION AND DATA COLLECTION

ONGOING PUBLIC OUTREACH

DRAFT PLAN DEVELOPMENT & REVIEW

Equipping people with the knowledge, skills and condence to bike and walk

BRUCE DR

Building safe and responsible behaviors on the road and building respect among all road users

£ 401

OLD POWELL RD

• PROJECT WEBSITE • COMMENT FORM • INTERACTIVE INPUT MAP • IN-PERSON OUTREACH EVENTS

Increasing access and opportunity for all residents, including disadvantaged, minority and low income populations

E ACADEMY

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Ä 42

JUDD

£ 401

ANGIER

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RECOMMENDATIONS

FEATURES AND BOUNDARIES SCHOOL

EXISTING FACILITIES

EXISTING GREENWAY EXISTING SIDEPATH

PROPOSED GREENWAY PROPOSED SIDEPATH

PARK

Introduction This pedestrian plan builds on progress made since the approval of the 2013 Fuquay-Varina Community Pedestrian Plan. Since 2013, progress has been made through strategic Town investments, NCDOT roadway expansion projects, and private development that has incorporated pedestrian facilities such as sidewalks, crosswalks, sidepaths, and greenways. This document provides an updated framework for the Town of Fuquay-Varina to continue strategically building better connections for walking throughout the community. While the 2035 Community Transportation Plan provides a broader examination of the pedestrian environment as part of the overall transportation system, it emphasizes multimodal transportation options and includes an updated pedestrian (and bicycle) network. This planning process builds upon these recommendations and helps focus pedestrian investments.

Exactly like the original 2013 plan, this plan was made possible through a successful NCDOT Planning Grant application by the Town of Fuquay-Varina. With this plan, Fuquay-Varina established a guide for infrastructure and policy improvements that will lead to a robust network for pedestrians. The planning process began with a Kickoff Meeting in June 2021, which was the first of three project Steering Committee meetings. The Steering Committee was comprised of local residents, municipal staff, business groups, school officials, developers, NCDOT engineers and regional transportation planners. This Steering Committee guided the plan’s development throughout the planning process. Key steps included communicating their overall vision for the plan, identifying opportunities and challenges for walking, and providing feedback on plan recommendations.

Introduction 01.

THE PLANNING PROCESS

FINAL FUQUAY- VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN

PROJECT COORDINATION AND DATA COLLECTION

ONGOING PUBLIC OUTREACH

DRAFT PLAN DEVELOPMENT & REVIEW

• PROJECT WEBSITE • COMMENT FORM • INTERACTIVE INPUT MAP • IN-PERSON OUTREACH EVENTS

The planning process began during the Summer of 2021 and was completed in the Spring of 2022.

FUQUAY-VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN

The Value of Walkable Communities

PROJECT VISION

PROJECT GOALS

SAFETY BENEFITS

E nhance C onnectivity

Fuquay-Varina will have a pedestrian network for all ages and abilities that enhances connectivity to the downtowns, parks, schools, jobs, and neighborhoods on safe and accessible sidewalks and greenways. This well-designed, interconnected network will showcase the unique downtowns and suburban landscape of Fuquay-Varina.

Pedestrian treatments and traffic calming help to save lives, as illustrated in the graphics below. Additionally, increasing the number of users on trails and greenways creates an environment where behavior on the trail is monitored by trail users themselves, and provides for an increased sense of safety for those who feel uncomfortable walking alone due to a fear of crime.

I mprove S afety

I mprove H ealth

A pedestrian hit by a vehicle traveling at 25 MPH

A pedestrian hit by a vehicle traveling at 35 MPH

A pedestrian hit by a vehicle traveling at 45 MPH

P romote E quity

SURVIVABILITY

I ncrease L ivability through A ctive T ransportation

has a 89 chance of survival %

has a 68 chance of survival %

has a 35 chance of survival %

Rosén, E., & Sander, U. (2009). Pedestrian fatality risk as a function of car impact speed. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 41(3), 536-542.

% DECREASE IN CRASHES

G enerate a P ositive E conomic I mpact

“Communities designed to be walkable can improve safety not only for people who walk but for all com- munity members.” - Surgeon General, 2015

Install sidewalk to avoid walking along roadway Increase enforcement to reduce speed Install pedestrian refuge island Add exclusive pedestrian phasing

65-89

P rovide A ccess to N atural A reas

to signalized intersection

Federal Highway Administration. “Proven Safety Countermeasures” and “Toolbox of Countermeasures and Their Potential Effectiveness” (compilation of studies 2005-2020).

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

FUQUAY-VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN

THE VALUE OF WALKABLE COMMUNITIES

HEALTH BENEFITS

Accessibility and Mobility Benefits

Sidewalks and greenways offer safe and accessible opportunities for physical activity, and can result in health benefits.

Sidewalks and greenways, when applied comprehensively, provide a critical element of freedom to those who may not have access to, or the ability to drive a motor vehicle.

33%

Continuing to improve the walking environment in Fuquay-Varina can enable more walking trips and degrees of freedom of the transportation network, especially for those trips that are 1-mile or less.

Lower Risk of All-Cause mortality

People who are physically active (ie; brisk walking) for at least 2.5 hours/ week have a

Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition (2018)

Those who are physically active generally live longer and have a lower risk for heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, depression, some cancers, and obesity. CDC, 2015

DRIVING 4 MILES/DAY COSTS*

$905

year

OF ALL TRIPS BY A SINGLE PRIVATELY- OPERATED VEHICLE (IN THE US) ARE 1 MILE (OR LESS), A DISTANCE THAT CAN EASILY BE COVERED BY A 15 MINUTE WALK NHTS, 2017

in fuel and vehicle wear and tear AAA, 2019

*Costs are ~ $9,300/year for the 44 miles/day driven by the average driver in North Carolina

20 MINUTES WALKING OR BIKING each day is associated with a

LOWER RISK OF HEART FAILURE FOR MEN

and

LOWER RISK FOR WOMEN

Rahman, 2014 and 2015

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

FUQUAY-VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN

THE VALUE OF WALKABLE COMMUNITIES

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Decreasing reliance on automobiles and reducing congestion by utilizing sidewalks and greenways can lead to improved air quality. Walking paths serve as a tool for conserving open space and preserving wetlands.

Connected greenways often yield high returns on investment through economic diversification, recreational tourism, and small business opportunities.

A 2018 study looking at the economic impact of four greenways in North Carolina (Brevard Greenway, Little Sugar Creek Greenway, American Tobacco Trail, and Duck Trail) found that every $1.00 spent on trail construction supports $1.72 annually from local business revenue, sales tax revenue, and benefits related to health and transportation.

Less Driving Means Cleaner Air

If 8% more children living within 2 miles of a school were to walk or bike to school , the air pollution re- duced from not taking a car would be equivalent to re- moving 60,000 cars from the road for one year, na-

Cars emit CO₂, nitrous oxide, sulfur oxide, and other gases that are associated with asthma attacks and cardiovascular disease. Pregnant people, newborns, children, and people with chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable to air pollution. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2018

Combined Study Results: A one-time $26.7M capital investment in the four greenways supports:

tionally.* Pedroso, 2008, SRTS

$25.7M Estimated annual savings due to more physical activity, less pollution and congestion, and fewer traffic injuries from use of the greenways

$48.7M Estimated business revenue from greenway construction

790 JOBS Are supported annually through greenway construction

$19.4M Estimated annual sales revenue at local businesses along the four greenways

$684K Estimated annual local and state sales tax revenue from businesses along the greenways

*In accordance with North Carolina law, Wake County Public School System “does not automatically provide school bus transportation to families that reside within 1.5 mile of the school their student is attending.” The Transportation Department can decide whether to provide transportation within this 1.5-mile range based on area walkability and cost factors. This assessment is used to establish “no transport”/walk zone boundaries (though these do not exist for every school in the WCPSS district). These boundaries can be changed based on infrastructure improvements or other measures that make walking to school safer for students. The recommendations in this plan have the potential to significantly improve pedestrian safety around schools, allowing many more Fuquay-Varina students to walk to school safely!

Environmental Services of Greenways Greenways protect and link fragmented habitat and provide opportunities for protecting plant and animal species. By conserving plant cover, greenways also preserve the natural air filtration processes provided by plants, which remove harmful pollutants, such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and airborne heavy metal particles. Finally, greenways improve water quality by creating a natural buffer zone that protects streams, rivers, and lakes; preventing soil erosion; and filtering pollution caused by agricultural and road runoff. Greenways also act as a line of defense against natural hazards, such as flooding.

The study included extensive trail user surveys for each of the four greenways over a period of three years.

Source: Institute of Transportation Research and Education. (2017). Evaluating the Economic Impact of Shared Use Paths in North Carolina. https://itre.ncsu.edu/focus/bike-ped/ sup-economic-impacts/

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

FUQUAY-VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN

Local Context The infrastructure we see today has roots from when French Revolutionary War veteran William Fuquay purchased 1000 acres from the Jones family in 1805. Almost fifty years later, the discovery of a mineral spring by WIlliam’s son or grandson led to a burgeoning antebellum tourism industry, as hotels grew up around the springs to accommodate those who came to “take the waters.” The spring also attracted an early railroad connection to the Fuquay area. Following the Civil War, a young veteran who had been born near the spring brought his wife Varina home to his birthplace and named his post office and store after her, near a railway crossing that would come to be known as “Varina Station.” In the early 20th century, two downtowns grew up around the springs and the railway station, as the area became a hot-spot for the southern Wake County tobacco market.

Fuquay Springs was incorporated in 1909, and in 1963 merged with Varina to form a single municipality. Since then, Fuquay-Varina has continued to grow, becoming one of the fastest-growing towns in North Carolina. New residents are attracted by its distinct small-town feel, which is present in each of the historic downtown districts, despite the town’s proximity to the bustling Research Triangle region. Fuquay-Varina currently has a population of 34,152 (2020 Census, see Table 1 below). Fuquay-Varina’s population, similar to that of other outlying suburbs in the Triangle region, has grown substantially over the past few decades as housing prices have risen in Durham and Wake counties. Future development is expected to continue at a similar pace as in the past few decades.

Existing Conditions 02.

Table 1: Demographic Comparison

Raleigh-Cary Metro Area North Carolina

Fuquay-Varina

Population 1

34,152

1,129,410

10,439,388

Median Age 2

35.8

37.3

38.7

Median Household Income 2

$79,000

$75,851

$54,602

% Households without a Vehicle 2

3.5% 0.6%

4.2%

5.8%

% Walk to Work 2

1.1%

1.8%

% School-Age Children (Ages 5-19) 2 21.5%

20.8%

19.3%

1 US Census Bureau, 2020 Census 2 US Census Bureau, 2015-2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

FUQUAY-VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN

Map 1: Existing Pedestrian Facilities RECOMMENDATIONS

Existing Conditions

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Zoomed in maps including recommendations can be found in Appendix D.

The downtowns of both Fuquay and Varina boast shopping, dining, and entertainment amenities catering to both residents and visitors from around the Triangle and beyond. Highway 401 becomes Main Street within the town limits, and the recently completed Judd Parkway forms a ring road around the downtown area, separating the town’s more naturally walkable areas from the more suburban landscape outside of the parkway. Most of the schools serving the town lie outside of the downtown core and are not as easily accessible via walking. Furthermore, a multitude of residential subdivisions lie outside of Judd Parkway, and are disconnected from the overall pedestrian network.

Table 2 highlights Fuquay-Varina’s 0.6% walk to work rate (ACS 2015-2019). The margin of error is typically +/- 0.5-1.0%. Therefore, it can be helpful to also look at the walk rates for Fuquay- Varina from the past five ACS data periods below. Table 2: Recent Walk to Work Rates in Fuquay-Varina

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Wake Tech

Hilltop Needmore Town Park & Preserve

Fuquay-Varina walk to work rates

Banks Road Elementary School

Recent 5-year ACS data collection periods

Ballentine Elementary School

Herbert Akins Road Elementary & Middle Schools

ACS 2015-2019 ACS 2014-2018 ACS 2013-2017 ACS 2012-2016

0.6% 0.2% 0.4% 1.0% 1.2%

O L DPOWELLRD RD

£ 401

Southern Wake Academy

Fuquay-Varina Elementary School

Fuquay- Varina HS

Willow Springs Elementary School

ACS 2011-2015

South Lakes Elementary School

In the ACS 2015-2019 data collection period, 25% of residents also worked in Fuquay-Varina, and 10% of residents worked from home. This leaves 15% of residents that travel within town for work - while a small percentage of these work trips are walked, the percentage could be much higher with continued improvements to the pedestrian environment.

Honeycutt Road Park

Ä 55

Fleming Loop Recreational Park

Willow Spring High School

Ä 42

South Park

Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Park

£ 401

Existing data as of November, 2021

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FEATURES AND BOUNDARIES SCHOOL

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PARK

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PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SIGNAL HIGH VISIBILITY CROSSWALK

RAILROAD

FUQUAY-VARINA JURISDICTION

TWO-BAR CROSSWAK ARTISTIC CROSSWALK

Left: Artistic crosswalk recently completed near the fire station.

OTHER MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY

COUNTY BOUNDARY

CHAPTER 2: EXISTING CONDITIONS

FUQUAY-VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN

RECOMMENDATIONS

Map 2: Existing Pedestrian Facilities (Zoom)

Map 3: Pedestrian Facilities Completed Since 2013*

Ä 55

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Zoomed in maps including recommendations can be found in Appendix D.

HOLLY SPRINGS *2013 is the completion date of Fuquay- Varina’s first Pedestrian Plan. The map below underscores how much has changed since the previous plan was completed.

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Fuquay-Varina High School

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Hilltop Needmore Town Park & Preserve

Downtown Varina

Banks Road Elementary School

Action Park

Lincoln Heights Elementary School

E BROAD ST

Herbert Akins Road Elementary & Middle Schools

Ballentine Elementary School

Dr. Freeman Park

D ICKENS RD

£ 401

OLD POWELL RD

Southern Wake Academy

Fuquay-Varina Middle School

FARM

Fuquay-Varina Elementary School

Library

Downtown Fuquay

E ACADEMY

Ashworth Park

Willow Springs Elementary School

Fuquay- Varina HS

Dog Park

Honeycutt Road Park

Fleming Loop Recreational Park

South Lakes Elementary School

Mineral Spring Park

Ä 42

Honeycutt Road Park

Ä 55

Fleming Loop Recreational Park

Willow Spring High School

Ä 42

South Park

JUDD

Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Park

£ 401

South Park

£ 401

Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Park

Existing data as of November, 2021

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FEATURES AND BOUNDARIES SCHOOL

EXISTING FACILITIES

FEATURES AND BOUNDARIES SCHOOL

91 MILES OF NEW PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES An incredible 78 miles of sidewalks, 5 miles of sidepaths, and 8 miles of greenways have been constructed since 2013. Many of these miles are found in the numerous new subdivisions.

EXISTING GREENWAY EXISTING SIDEPATH EXISTING SIDEWALK

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OTHER MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY

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CHAPTER 2: EXISTING CONDITIONS

FUQUAY-VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN

Walking in Fuquay-Varina Today... OPPORTUNITIES There are many opportunities for new or improved pedestrian facilities. The sidewalk network in and around the dual-downtowns, the developing shared use path system, and continued improvements in roadway crossings are key elements of the existing network. Recent residential development across Fuquay-Varina has included pedestrian facilities, significantly expanding the sidewalk and sidepath network. As Fuquay-Varina continues to rapidly grow, residential and commercial projects are an opportunity to continue incorporating pedestrian facilities and close gaps in the current network.

CHALLENGES While the pedestrian network has grown and improved over the past decade, overall, there remain many gaps in the system. Key challenges in the current pedestrian system include railroad crossings and suburban, automobile-oriented development patterns leaving significant pedestrian gaps between residential subdivisions and other destinations (although pedestrian circulation within new subdivisions is typically sound). As the Town continues to make strides in ADA accessibility, there remain many locations that need updating in and around the downtown cores, especially at several railroad intersections.

Wake Chapel Rd, Main St, and Railroad St need crossing improvements for pedestrians, but these are challenging to implement due to the roadway and railroad approaches.

A pedestrian crossing of S. Main St at Hillcrest Dr.

Angier Rd between Vance St and Spring St is wide, and runs through a residential area near downtown Fuquay, providing an opportunity for creating pedestrian facilities within the existing curbs.

The W. Academy St railroad crossing needs improvement.

Shared use paths are being constructed with development, which is key for the overall network - however, gaps between new development and external pedestrian connections are common.

A new sidepath along Angier Rd at the Atlantis St intersection.

This Wagstaff Rd pedestrian crossing connects Carroll Howard Johnson Education Park to nearby neighborhoods and the Jeff Wells Greenway trail.

Crosswalk markings needed in many places such as above, at Academy St/Aiken St.

Right: Pleasant pedestrian environment with wide sidewalks and street trees in downtown Varina.

Left: Recently closed railroad/roadway crossing at Lawrence St/Dogwood St does not encourage pedestrian connectivity.

CHAPTER 2: EXISTING CONDITIONS

FUQUAY-VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN

Map 4: Opportunities and Challenges RECOMMENDATIONS

Table 3: Opportunities & Challenges

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Map Id

These notes on opportunities and challenges (many of which are both opportunities and challenges) are a com- bination of steering committee feedback, public feedback (survey and online map), and consultant notes. 1 NC 751 extension - longer-term future roadway project - connect to southern terminus of the American Tobacco Trail to the northwest, and Raven Rock State Park to the south. 2 Future shared use path extension toward new development/Broad St/NC 55. 3 Intersection improvement needed - tricky to get across, many people try (many goat paths); NC 55 will be realigned here (NCDOT project U-5751). 4 Future large retail development - will include new 4-6 lane road connection between US 401 and NC 42 - street will include a sidepath and an at-grade crossing of the railroad. 5 Existing Greenway at Hilltop Needmore Town Park & Preserve - connectivity needed to adjacent neighborhoods and future school. 6 Under construction residential development that will include a greenway. 7 Future development in this area along Neills Creek - will include a greenway trail. 8 Park Depot Trail to the Fuquay-Varina Town Hall was highlighted as a gap project in the Wake County Greenway System Plan. 9 Recently completed sidepath segment along Angier Rd as part of ongoing development. 10 Recently completed sidepath along Purfoy Rd as part of ongoing development. 11 Good greenway and sidewalk connectivity to Willow Spring High School. 12 Key connection opportunity between Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina (Bass Lake and the Basal Creek Trail). 13 Sidepaths in development along Hilltop Needmore Rd. 14 Gap in network, connectivity needed along Phelps West Rd to connect multiple neighborhoods. 15 Gap in network, connectivity needed along Old Honeycutt Rd toward elementary school and high school. 16 Gap in network along NC 55, link needed to enhance Park Depot Trail connectivity. 17 Connectivity needed up Sunset Lake Rd. 18 Multiple gaps in network connectivity up Stewart St - neighborhood connectivity needed. 19 Sidewalks/sidepaths needed along Needmore Ruritan Club, Hilltop Needmore Rd, and Sunset Lake Rd to connect neighborhoods, end eventually, another way to connect Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina. 20 Pedestrian facilities lacking in southwest Fuquay-Varina, connectivity needed.

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HOLLY SPRINGS

Wake Tech

Hilltop Needmore Town Park & Preserve

Banks Road Elementary School

Herbert Akins Road Elementary & Middle Schools

Ballentine Elementary School

O L DPOWELLRD RD

£ 401

Southern Wake Academy

Fuquay-Varina Elementary School

Fuquay- Varina HS

Willow Springs Elementary School

Ä 42

South Lakes Elementary School

Fleming Loop Recreational Park

Willow Spring High School

South Park

Honeycutt Road Park

Ä 55

Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Park

£ 401

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EXISTING GREENWAY EXISTING SIDEPATH EXISTING SIDEWALK

PARK

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RAILROAD

FUQUAY-VARINA JURISDICTION

TWO-BAR CROSSWAK ARTISTIC CROSSWALK

OTHER MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY

COUNTY BOUNDARY

CHAPTER 2: EXISTING CONDITIONS

FUQUAY-VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN

Table 4: Opportunities & Challenges (Continued)

RECOMMENDATIONS

Map ID

Map 5: Opportunities and Challenges (Zoom)

These notes on opportunities and challenges (many of which are both opportunities and challenges) are a com- bination of steering committee feedback, public feedback (survey and online map), and consultant field notes. 21 Wake Chapel Rd has sidewalks on one side, but not a great pedestrian experience due to lack of buffer and traffic speed/volumes. 22 Need better connectivity to High School. 23 Funded sidewalk (likely 2 years until construction) - LAPP funded. 24 Sidewalk project to connect to this intersection is in development, will likely be constructed in near term. 25 E. Jones St sidewalks (Town Hall to Middle School) are in the development process (funding awarded through LAPP). 26 Location of new elementary and middle school - connectivity needed to adjacent neighborhoods. 27 Potential greenway opportunity along Kenneth Creek. 28 Railroad corridor that is currently inactive - would be great connection from center of FV to southwest side of FV if possible. 29 Development in this area will include a greenway segment along the former railroad corridor. 30 Need ADA pedestrian accommodation across railroad tracks. 31 Intersection needs improvement - difficult intersection to improve due to confluence of railroad tracks and multiple roads - has been previously studied, multiple options under consideration including grade separation. 32 Gaps in the pedestrian network here along Judd Pkwy and Stewart St - possible future development in this area as well. 33 Roadway crossing of railroad tracks recently closed. 34 Roadway crossing of railroad tracks recently closed. 35 Academy Street will connect here - future development (new library here as well). 36 Crosswalk at Wake Chapel Rd & Pittsboro St needs better visibility. 37 Recently completed artistic sidewalks at the Vance St/Fuquay Ave intersection. 38 Existing unpaved neighborhood trail. 39 Pedestrian crossing needed to connect the Village of Charleston neighborhood to South Park. 40 Gap in sidewalk network - connect Bent Tree subdivision to Fleming Loop Recreational Park. 41 Gap in network, connectivity needed to neighborhoods along Wilbon Rd. 42 Gap in network, connectivity needed to downtown sidewalk grid and adjacent neighborhoods. 43 Gap in network, connectivity needed along both Spring St and Angier Rd between downtown and adjacent neighborhoods. 44 Gap in network southeast of downtown. 45 Gap in network, connectivity needed along Angier Rd to connect multiple neighborhoods. 46 Gap in network along Old Honeycutt Rd, would connect multiple neighborhoods and enhance connectivity to Honeycutt Road Park. 47 Gaps in network along Old Honeycutt Rd toward downtown. 48 Gap in network along Sunset Lake Rd - connect Ballentine subdivision to Harris Teeter. 49 The Terrible Creek corridor is mostly undeveloped, and remains a good greenway opportunity to northeast Fuquay-Varina (is included in local, county, and regional greenway plans). 50 Crosswalk needed to connect neighborhoods across Judd Pkwy. 51 Pedestrian facilities needed extended down Wagstaff Rd and S. Main St to connect multiple subdivisions. 52 Fill gaps to connect western subdivisions toward downtown.

Ä 55

Fuquay-Varina High School

Downtown Varina

Action Park

Lincoln Heights Elementary School

E BROAD ST

33 Dr. Freeman Park

Fuquay-Varina Middle School

Downtown Fuquay

Library

EACADEMY ST

Ashworth Park

Dog Park

Honeycutt Road Park

Fleming Loop Recreational Park

Mineral Spring Park

Ä 42

South Park

£ 401

Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Park

EXISTING FACILITIES

FEATURES AND BOUNDARIES SCHOOL

0.25

0.5MILES

EXISTING GREENWAY EXISTING SIDEPATH EXISTING SIDEWALK

PARK

STREAM/RIVER

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SIGNAL HIGH VISIBILITY CROSSWALK

RAILROAD

TWO-BAR CROSSWAK ARTISTIC CROSSWALK

CHAPTER 2: EXISTING CONDITIONS

FUQUAY-VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN

Map 6: Pedestrian Collisions RECOMMENDATIONS

Map 7: Pedestrian Collisions (Zoom) RECOMMENDATIONS

Ä 55

APEX

HOLLY SPRINGS

CARY

GARNER

Wake Tech

Ä 55

Fuquay-Varina High School

Hilltop Needmore Town Park & Preserve

Walmart Supercenter

Downtown Varina

Banks Road Elementary School

E BROAD ST

Action Park

Lincoln Heights Elementary School

Herbert Akins Road Elementary & Middle Schools

Ballentine Elementary School

Dr. Freeman Park

D ICKENS RD

£ 401

OLD POWELL RD

Southern Wake Academy

Fuquay-Varina Middle School

FARM

Fuquay-Varina Elementary School

Fuquay- Varina HS

Library

Downtown Fuquay

EACADEMY ST

Ashworth Park

Willow Springs Elementary School

Dog Park

Honeycutt Road Park

Fleming Loop Recreational Park

South Lakes Elementary School

Mineral Spring Park

Ä 42

Ä 55

Fleming Loop Recreational Park

Honeycutt Road Park

Willow Spring High School

Ä 42

South Park

JUDD

Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Park

South Park

£ 401

Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Park

ANGIER

0.5

1MILES

PEDESTRIAN INJURY SEVERITY FATALITY MINOR OR SERIOUS INJURY POSSIBLE OR UNKNOWN INJURY NO INJURY

FEATURES AND BOUNDARIES SCHOOL

PEDESTRIAN INJURY SEVERITY FATALITY MINOR OR SERIOUS INJURY POSSIBLE OR UNKNOWN INJURY NO INJURY

FEATURES AND BOUNDARIES SCHOOL

PEDESTRIAN COLLISIONS This map illustrates collisions involving a pedestrian between 2009 and 2019. Within this 10-year time frame, there were a total of 89 pedestrian collisions within the Fuquay- Varina jurisdiction. Of these, 33 collisions occurred along the roadway, 20 occurred at intersections, and 36 occurred off-road (typically in parking lots). One of the 89 collisions resulted in a pedestrian fatality.

0.25

0.5MILES

PEDESTRIAN COLLISIONS In the central area of Fuquay-Varina, clusters of pedestrian collisions are observed, notably along US 401/N. Main St from Woodrow St to Purfoy Rd (11 collisions) and the Walmart Supercenter parking lot (16 collisions).

PARK

STREAM/RIVER

RAILROAD

FUQUAY-VARINA JURISDICTION

OTHER MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY

COUNTY BOUNDARY

CHAPTER 2: EXISTING CONDITIONS

FUQUAY-VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN

Map 8: NCDOT-Owned Roads RECOMMENDATIONS

RECOMMENDATIONS

Map 9: Current & Future Development

APEX

Ä 55

CARY

GARNER

HOLLY SPRINGS

O L DPOWELLRD RD

£ 401

Ä 55

Ä 42

£ 401

Data as of November, 2021

ANGIER

0.5

1MILES

0.5

1MILES

ROADWAY OWNERSHIP NCDOT OWNED ROADS

FEATURES AND BOUNDARIES SCHOOL

NCDOT-OWNED ROADS This map shows which roadways in Fuquay-Varina are state-versus-locally- owned. The Town of Fuquay-Varina will need to coordinate with NCDOT Division 5 and the Integrated Mobility Division to implement this plan’s recommended improvements along NCDOT roadways.

CURRENT & FUTURE DEVELOPMENT As Fuquay-Varina continues to grow at a staggering pace, numerous developments are underway during this plan’s development. Many of these are subdivisions scattered away from the downtown cores. While an internal pedestrian friendly environment will be incorporated into these developments, they key challenge will be ensuring external connectivity.

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSED APPROVED

PARK

STREAM/RIVER

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

RAILROAD

FUQUAY-VARINA JURISDICTION

OTHER MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY

COUNTY BOUNDARY

CHAPTER 2: EXISTING CONDITIONS

FUQUAY-VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN

Map 10: Equity Analysis Composite EQUITY ANALYSIS

Plan Review TOWN OF FUQUAY-VARINA COMMUNITY PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN (2013) This is Fuquay-Varina’s existing pedestrian plan document, created in 2013. The 2013 recommendations included infrastructure, programming, and policy recommendations. Map 3.6 from the 2013 plan (see below) highlights gap areas in the pedestrian network, many of which have been completed or partially completed since 2013 (see page 19 & 17 for projects completed since 2013). Policy recommendations from the 2013 plan included a detailed analysis of Fuquay-Varina’s Code of Ordinances, most of which have been incorporated into the current Code of Ordinances.

Ä 55

APEX

HOLLY SPRINGS

CARY

GARNER

WHATAN

THR

N DR

STO N

Map 3.5: Pedestrian Network Infill Areas

Fuquay-Varina High School Map 3.6: Pedestrian Network Infill Areas in Downtown Cores O

Map from the 2013 Pedestrian Plan

¬« 55

Wake Chapel Church

PERR

DICKENS RD

£ 401

OLD POWELL RD

N MAIN ST

£¤ 401

Action Park

CHERRY ST

Lincoln Heights Elementary School

FAUCETTE ST

D B

Lawrence Street Park and School

OLD

Ä 55

CHURCH ST

AIKEN PKWY

Ä 42

ONEARCHDR

Fuquay-Varina Middle School

JUDD

¬« 55

£¤ 401

JONES AVE

Falcon Park

E ACADEMY

¬« 42

FIRST ST

Library Park

DEPOT ST

Town Dog Park

W VANCE ST

¬« 55 ¬« 55

£¤ 401 £¤ 401

£ 401

Honey Road

E SPRING ST

Fuquay Mineral Spring Park

Fleming Loop Road Park

W S

SUNSET DR

FEATURES AND BOUNDARIES SOCIAL VULNERABILITY

Intersection or Crossing Gaps Trail Gaps Sidewalk Gaps Intersection or Crossing Gaps Trail Gaps Sidewalk Gaps

Kinton Field

ANGIER

0.5

1MILES

LOW

PINE ST

EQUITY ANALYSIS This map is a composite of six variables, including; Zero vehicle households, Educational attainment, Race, Income Level, Language, and Age. Areas shaded in the darkest red (high social vulnerability) have the highest concentrations of these demographic variables. Downtown Fuquay, the southwest section of Fuquay-Varina, and a section in northeast Fuquay-Varina are found in the high social vulnerability category. These are important locations to consider during project prioritization, and the project team utilized this map during the prioritization process to identify whether a potential project connected to these particular areas of Fuquay-Varina. While other prioritization factors are also considered during project selection, each of the priority projects identified in Chapter 3 are wholly within, or provide a connection to a location identified as ‘High’ in the social vulnerability index in Fuquay-Varina.

CRE

QUEST RIDGE

Existing Sidewalks

Parks

DON ST Existing/Under Const. Trails Committed Sidewalk/Trail Development

! IntersectionImprovements â â â â â Proposed Greenway Trail ! IntersectionImprovements â â â â â Proposed Greenway Trail Railroad Water Features Flood Hazard Area Fuquay-Varina Municipal Boundary ETJ Boundary Proposed Side Path Proposed Sidewalk Proposed Side Path Proposed Sidewalk

HIGH

S JUDD PKW

Downtown Cores Schools

South Park

FEATURES AND BOUNDARIES STREAM/RIVER

OODDR

HENW

RAILROAD

0.25 Downtown Cores Parks Schools Existing Sidewalks Existing Trails 1 Parks Schools Existing Sidewalks Existing Trails Downtown Cores 1

0.5 Railroad Water Features Fuquay-Varina Municipal Boundary ETJ Boundary Railroad Water Features Fuquay-Varina Municipal Boundary ETJ Boundary Mi 2 Mi

COUNTY BOUNDARY

3-9 FUQUAY-VARINA, NC COMMUNITY PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN – CHAPTER 3: NETWORK RECOMMENDATIONS

¯ ¯

CHAPTER 2: EXISTING CONDITIONS

FUQUAY-VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN

2035 COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION PLAN (2017) This plan, developed in conjunction with the Community Vision Land Use Plan, is a blueprint for future transportation choices in Fuquay-Varina. It articulates community goals for how people in Fuquay- Varina hope to move around in the future, and how development decisions will shape the future of transportation in the area. Goals relevant to the pedestrian plan include: • Coordinate transportation investments with land use and development decisions. • Provide a balanced transportation system that makes it easier to bike, walk, or take transit. • Make it easier to connect within and through the Town for all modes. • Promote a safe and secure transportation system by reducing crashes and improving emergency response. The overall bicycle and pedestrian recommendations map (below) serves as a key building block for the updated pedestrian network and has guided the construction of the pedestrian network with ongoing development.

TOWN OF FUQUAY-VARINA COMMUNITY PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN (2013) (CONTINUTED)

Several key intersections were analyzed in more detail in the 2013 Fuquay-Varina Pedestrian Plan, including the challenging Wake Chapel Rd/S. Main St/Railroad St intersection (see graphic below from the 2013 plan). The configuration below, as well as other options (such as an above or below grade crossing) are all challenging to implement, and further study is needed.

Figure D.13 Wake Chapel Road Railroad Crossing Preferred Option: Suggested Improvements and Recommendations

Image from the 2013 Pedestrian Plan

THE PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE CROSSINGS SHOULD HAVE CLEAR LINES OF SIGHT AND GOOD VISIBILITY SO ALL USERS CAN SEE APPROACHING TRAINS

IMPROVE APPROACH ANGLE TO AT LEAST 60 DEGREES FOR BICYCLISTS TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF ANY WHEELS GETTING CAUGHT IN THE TRACK FLANGE

ASPHALT OR RUBBER MATERIAL SHOULD BE USED FOR CROSSING AREA LOCATED BETWEEN RAILROAD TRACKS

PROPOSED EXTENDING ISLAND TO IMPROVE INTERSECTION CONFIGURATION

FOR THE CROSSWALK APPROACH ADA TACTILE WARNINGS SHALL BE PROVIDED 17’ FROM TRACK CENTERLINE. ASPHALT IS RECOMMENDED WITHIN 13’ OF THE RAILROAD

HIGH VISIBILITY CROSSWALK TO INCREASE DRIVER AWARENESS AND YIELD RATE

RAILROAD GATE PLACEMENT WILL BE COORDINATED WITH THE PLACEMENT OF SIDEWALKS AT THE CROSSING

D-17 FUQUAY-VARINA, NC COMMUNITY PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN – APPENDIX D: INTERSECTIONS AND RAILROAD CROSSINGS

CHAPTER 2: EXISTING CONDITIONS

FUQUAY-VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN

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