Here is a summary about the construction currently happening on Estes Drive.
February 2022 Update
As spring approaches, we wanted to provide an update on the status of the Estes Drive Connectivity Project<https://www.townofchapelhill.org/estes> and potential construction impacts. However, we wanted to start by acknowledging the tragic crash on Estes and Caswell on December 31st, and the multiple pedestrian and cyclist crashes around Chapel Hill since then. The safety of our residents is our top priority, and the driving force behind this construction project; we share the frustration that the project has taken so long to get started.
The Town has taken several steps to immediately improve safety on Estes, including additional speed display signs, a pedestrian-activated crosswalk with flashing lights, and additional traffic enforcement. Measures in the near-future include pedestrian-activated crossing lights at Granville and Estes and a study of the pedestrian signals at MLK and Estes.
For the long-term Estes Drive Connectivity Project, construction is set to begin in mid-March, with clearing and grading as the first stage of construction, followed by utility relocation. Traffic will continue to be in both directions during this phase of construction, with occasional stops by construction workers flagging traffic as needed. We will continue to provide updates on the construction schedule and impacts as we get closer to the start date.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns about this project or pedestrian and cyclist safety in general.
Best,
Josh
Josh Mayo (he/him), Transportation Planner I
Town of Chapel Hill
405 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 969-5061
www.townofchapelhill.org