Raleigh Gears Up for a Smarter Commute with New Bus Rapid Transit System
Raleigh, North Carolina is preparing to make a major leap in public transport infrastructure, as the city council officially greenlights the first construction package for its ambitious New Bern Avenue Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. This isn’t just about buses or new pavements—it’s a blueprint for reshaping how thousands move across the capital city.
Following a competitive bidding process, the contract for Package 1 has been awarded to Rifenburg North Carolina, LLC, a seasoned player in regional infrastructure. This initial phase will lay the groundwork—literally—for what promises to be one of the most significant transit upgrades in the city’s modern history.
Breaking Down the Blueprint
Package 1 project finance comes with a hefty price tag of US$28.7 million. But every dollar is earmarked for specific upgrades that go far beyond resurfacing roads. This segment will cover around 5.4 miles, with 3.3 miles designated as dedicated bus lanes. These lanes will run through key arteries including New Bern Avenue, Edenton Street, Blount Street, Wilmington Street, and Morgan Street.
Also in the mix are 19 bus platforms spread across 10 strategically placed stations. And it’s not just about buses. The plans include new sidewalks and a multi-use path that stretches from downtown Raleigh all the way to Sunnybrook Road, promoting safe passage for pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users alike.
Once complete, this infrastructure will enable BRT vehicles to operate with higher frequency, better reliability, and minimal delays—a welcome relief for commuters fed up with congestion and inconsistent service.
City Vision Meets Federal Ambition
This project doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The Raleigh BRT initiative is part of a broader push by U.S. cities to rethink and future-proof urban mobility systems. With the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) offering support to BRT projects under the Capital Investment Grants programme, cities like Raleigh are tapping into a national strategy to cut emissions, reduce car dependence, and improve quality of life.
Raleigh’s New Bern Avenue corridor is a prime candidate. It links historically underserved communities with major employment and healthcare hubs, including WakeMed Hospital. For city leaders, it’s not just infrastructure. It’s equity in motion.
“This project is a critical step toward building a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable Raleigh,” said a city spokesperson at the announcement. “We’re not just adding concrete. We’re investing in our residents’ daily lives.”
Community-Centric, Future-Facing
A cornerstone of the New Bern Avenue BRT project is community engagement. Before any bulldozers roll in, Raleigh officials plan to host a pre-construction meeting by late summer 2025. Residents and local business owners will be invited to hear project updates, timelines, and expected disruptions.
This open-door policy ensures that stakeholders don’t just feel heard—they help shape the outcome. Moreover, the city’s planners are working to ensure that small businesses along the corridor aren’t left behind. Strategies under review include temporary signage, access assurances, and direct outreach to help them weather the construction period.
“Keeping the community informed and involved is how we make sure this project is a success for everyone,” noted the city’s transport planning team.
What’s Next?
While Package 1 has been approved and awarded, there’s more on the horizon. The rest of the BRT project will be put out for construction bids later this year, with additional contracts anticipated to cover station amenities, landscaping, lighting, and traffic signal prioritisation.
Start of actual construction is expected in autumn 2025, following the pre-construction engagement phase. In the meantime, engineers and planners are fine-tuning final designs, utility coordination, and right-of-way preparations.
To ensure long-term success, the city is also exploring integration of smart technology. This could include GPS-based arrival predictions, real-time platform updates, and contactless fare systems—a nod to the kind of seamless, tech-forward transit experience urban riders increasingly expect.
A Model for Mid-Sized Cities
BRT systems are often thought of in the context of sprawling megacities. But mid-sized cities like Raleigh are increasingly proving that scaled solutions can deliver real results. The benefits are compelling:
- Faster travel times through dedicated lanes
- Reduced emissions by cutting single-occupancy car use
- Lower infrastructure costs compared to rail systems
- More equitable access to services and jobs
The Raleigh BRT model could become a playbook for similar cities looking to balance cost, speed, and social impact.
“We believe Raleigh is poised to become a national example of how mid-sized cities can lead in sustainable transport innovation,” said one urban mobility expert following the announcement.
All Eyes on Autumn
As the calendar edges toward construction season, anticipation is mounting. Local advocacy groups, sustainability organisations, and daily commuters are watching closely. If the execution matches the ambition, this could mark a turning point not just for Raleigh, but for how U.S. cities think about mobility in the 21st century.
With its people-first design, robust infrastructure investment, and strategic use of technology, Raleigh’s BRT project is on track to deliver more than just better bus service. It’s laying down the foundations for a smarter, more connected city.
A Step Toward Smarter Streets
Change is rarely smooth, but it can be transformative. As Raleigh commits to reshaping its urban fabric, the city is not only reimagining transit but redefining public space.
The New Bern Avenue BRT project proves that with vision, community input, and strategic investment, it’s possible to future-proof mobility—one bus lane at a time.
