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Everyone who goes to Crabtree Mall knows how horrible it can be to take 440 to Glenwood to get there. The mall traffic also clogs up the people using Glenwood, who aren't going to the mall. It is already a cluster you know what, and there isn't much room there to expand the lanes even more.
So I came up with a new traffic pattern. Instead of using Glenwood, a new bridge and road would be built to extend Crabtree Valley Avenue to I-440 and Ridge Road. This bridge would replace the Ridge Road bridge. My redesign would also put in a roundabout on the ITB side where there on/off ramps and Ridge Road intersect, which would clean up that current mess.
The biggest issue would be the buildings currently located there. I'm not intimately familiar with the area, but some may have to be razed or severely modified. Also, Crabtree Valley Avenue would need to expand to five lanes. I could see the mall helping pay for this, since it directly benefits them. Or, a bridge could be built over Arrow Drive, to save that road. If you look at the GIS, the City of Raleigh already owns, what looks like, an almost 1/2 acre easement on the southside of Arrow Drive, which would be perfect for a bridge.
I am not expecting anything to come from this post. I was bored and decided to create this. If there is any feedback, it could be neat to think more about it.
Last edited by Green Irish Eyes; 05-15-2012 at 09:16 PM..
Reason: Fixed the link for you
I love Crabtree, but I live 3/4 mile away and have to go to another mall if I want to go to a mall on Saturday late morning-early evening. The last time I tried, it took me 30 minutes from my front door into the parking lot, and I never ended up finding a spot. I left and went to Cary Town Center which is lacking for stores/atmosphere but never lacks for parking. I agree that they should do something to redesign, but I bet it will be a massive nightmare.
You could avoid Glenwood by exiting Wade Avenue from I-440, then taking Edwards Mill to Parklake and quick left onto Edwards Mill (again) which will take you to the upper deck entrance near the food court or you could continue to where the road ends at Crabtree Valley Ave.
Is that an elevated section of Glenwood Avenue, passing over Creedmoor?
There is an elevated section passing over the intersection of Lead Mine and Creedmoor. My guess is it would be similar to the Westgate rd. intersection.
Alternative A5-B in the study (the consultant's recommendation) had a $91 million price tag that's likely to rise over time. Nobody knows how to fund it. Don't hold your breath.
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