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I do not live in Raleigh, but have been visiting the area quite a bit since 2006. I have visited at different times of the year, but my extended stays are usually in the summers ranging from a few weeks up to 2 months. Well, over the last few years I have noticed an increase in traffic in the area, but this year it appears to be REALLY noticeable. Now, it is still not comparable to South Florida's traffic, but quite an increase compared to 7 years ago.
One of the noticeable difference in the traffic pattern is the amount of cars on the road during non rush hour (before 4:00PM). For example, driving north or south on Capital between 440 and 401 there is quite a bit of cars on the road. Traffic is not bumper to bumper, but lots of traffic, I call it moving traffic. I also notice an increase in traffic on 440 and 540. Still, compared to other major cities, I feel the traffic is bearable even though many locals find it bad.
Another difference I have noticed is the increase of impatient drivers like I see back home in South Florida. I do not want to exaggerate and write that it is comparable to South Florida, because it is not, but drivers cutting people off, speeding up when one has the signal light to change lanes so the car is unable to change lanes is seen more and more now. It is still no where near like South Florida, but it is becoming more visible to me when I am on the road.
I would like to conclude that all in all driving in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area is a pleasure compared to many other cities. I still feel this area has a "superior" quality of life compared to most cities I have visited. However, if the increase in traffic continues at this rate, driving in this area would not be enjoyable and actually a hassle within the next 10-15 years.
The morons in power do not understand that roads are self-defeating and rail is now a necessity.
Instead of choking off stupid, long commutes, roads are widened to just make more people move further out enriching the real estate and development vendors.
I avoid Capital Blvd. Haven't driven on that road more than a few times in a decade.
If you live around here though it's not such a shock because it's happened gradually. But just out doing everyday errands during the week can be a huge difference from several years ago as far as cars on the less traveled roads. They're not so uncongested these days.
The other day I drove up the the Oxford area, up Creedmoor Rd., and it was sooooo refreshing. Just a beautiful drive for peaceful beautiful scenery. The farms, horses out to pasture, the fresh air, like fresh cut whatever it was, I'm not sure....it was so wonderful. Made me realize how much Raleigh has changed.
I do not live in Raleigh, but have been visiting the area quite a bit since 2006.
Well, over the last few years I have noticed an increase in traffic in the area, but this year it appears to be REALLY noticeable.
However, if the increase in traffic continues at this rate, driving in this area would not be enjoyable and actually a hassle within the next 10-15 years.
The population keeps growing and infrastructure can't keep up. Someone started a thread about how Wake County is running out of land for future schools! It's unfortunate and I don't see things improving anytime soon.
Ya don't spoze the Triangle landing on any number of "best of" lists has anything to do with it, do ya? Ironic, because at this rate we'll be dropping off those lists in no time.
Ya don't spoze the Triangle landing on any number of "best of" lists has anything to do with it, do ya? Ironic, because at this rate we'll be dropping off those lists in no time.
Dropping off the lists would be a positive. People move here from places that have been ruined with traffic and over development. I don't blame them for moving.
Coming from Atlanta (and previously from Chicago), I think the traffic here is a dream. I love my 20 minute commute versus my previous commute times of 1-1/2 hours each way.
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