State transportation officials are proposing a major expansion of a busy thoroughfare in southeast Raleigh to address rapid regional growth and ease growing traffic congestion. Raleigh residents recently got a closer look at the Poole Road widening project during a public presentation hosted by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
The proposal focuses on expanding a stretch of Poole Road from Barwell Road to Hodge Road, transforming the current two-lane roadway into a four-lane divided corridor. As the region experiences continuous residential and commercial expansion, state and local stakeholders are weighing the infrastructure changes against community impacts, timelines, and safety concerns.
What Changed
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has formally advanced plans to widen Poole Road between Barwell Road and Hodge Road from two lanes to four lanes. In addition to the roadway expansion, the project includes the construction of two additional bridges across the Neuse River. One of these new bridges is specifically designed to accommodate pedestrians, providing a direct connection to the Poole Road Park.
According to NCDOT estimates, the entire infrastructure project will cost about $43 million. Construction for the corridor expansion is currently scheduled to officially begin in 2029.
Context and Regional Growth
The infrastructure initiative is being driven by accelerating development throughout southeast Raleigh and neighboring Knightdale. NCDOT Project Manager Reid Davidson noted that multiple developments are upcoming on both the north and south sides of Poole Road, alongside potential commercial developments planned near the intersection of Hodge Road and Poole Road.
“There are several developments upcoming in this area. You know, both on the north and the south side of Poole Road and in Knightdale and in Raleigh in this area. So, it is a growing area. And there’s also commercial developments that are potentially in the plans for Hodge Road and Poole Road in that area as well,” Davidson stated.
NCDOT officials emphasized that the project is explicitly intended to address this incoming growth, increased traffic demands, and help prevent future gridlock as the region expands toward the 540 interstate.
Business and Sector Impact
The widening project carries significant implications for local real estate, commercial planning, and regional logistics. As commercial developments are evaluated for Hodge Road and Poole Road, improved roadway capacity is viewed as a necessary catalyst for business expansion.
Project supporters note that upgrading the corridor to four lanes all the way to the 540 interstate will streamline freight, commuter, and commercial traffic. However, balancing commercial growth with neighborhood accessibility remains a central theme for local business owners and residents navigating the transition.
Key Benefits
State planners and community members supporting the proposal highlight several key benefits:
- Expanded Capacity: Widening the roadway from two lanes to four lanes directly addresses existing and anticipated traffic bottlenecks.
- Pedestrian Infrastructure: The inclusion of a dedicated pedestrian bridge across the Neuse River enhances non-motorized access to the Poole Road Park.
- Future-Proofing: Coordinating the corridor expansion with regional growth toward the 540 interstate prepares the transportation network for long-term demands.
- Safety Enhancements: Upgraded infrastructure aims to provide safer transit options for motorists and local residents navigating the corridor.
Risks, Limitations, and Community Concerns
While the project offers long-term capacity improvements, local stakeholders have raised important questions regarding the pace of development and potential disruptions.
Dr. Ulysses Lane voiced concerns that local development has frequently outpaced necessary infrastructure improvements, pointing to existing structural challenges in the area.
“Our problem is that the infrastructure changes don’t keep up with all this development that we have. We have all this new development going on and a lot of time because of structural problems, it’s already a major problem,” Dr. Lane stated.
Other residents, including Chad Doherty and LaTonia Williams, acknowledged the inevitable need for the project while emphasizing the importance of safety and resident-focused outcomes.
“It’s always good. But there’s still a lot of unanswered questions about the impact,” noted local participants. Another resident emphasized making sure the project “actually benefits the residents” and ensures “everyone can get there safely.”
Who May Be Affected
Property owners, commuters, and business operators along the Poole Road corridor from Barwell Road to Hodge Road will experience direct impacts during the planning and construction phases. Residents of Raleigh and Knightdale utilizing the Neuse River crossing or accessing the Poole Road Park will also see changes to their local transit routes and recreational access, particularly with the addition of the new pedestrian bridge.
What to Watch Next
As the NCDOT moves toward the projected 2029 construction start date, residents and stakeholders can continue to submit comments and concerns online. Observers will be watching for finalized design adjustments, right-of-way acquisition updates, and further details regarding potential commercial developments slated for Hodge Road and Poole Road.