Work to Begin on Traffic Gates

NCSU Transportation is moving ahead with its plan to install a pair of gates at the railroad tracks along Dan Allen Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin Dec. 17, says Tom Kendig, director of transportation.

Once completed, the gates will restrict traffic to emergency vehicles, buses and university service vehicles on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Construction is slated to take place after fall commencement to keep inconveniences to a minimum, he says.

The gates will improve pedestrian safety, reduce traffic congestion and help keep Wolfline buses on schedule, Kendig says. Dan Allen Drive is a primary bus corridor for seven bus routes.

“Our pedestrian traffic will only continue to grow and we must protect that,” he says.

Construction is expected to be completed by Jan. 7, with the gates operational by Jan. 14.

What to Expect

Wondering how this will affect your commute? Expect parts of Dan Allen Drive to be closed for construction between Yarbrough Drive and Thurman Drive from Dec. 17 to Dec. 21.

Once the gates are operating, alternative traffic options include planning your arrival and departure times prior to 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m., avoiding the gates by taking alternative routes, walking or riding the free Wolfline bus.

Public Communications Specialist Christine Klein says Transportation will alert people of shifting traffic patterns via message boards and social media.

“We have changed traffic patterns in the past, such as when we changed Dunn Avenue to a one-way street,” Klein says. “We understand it’s a learning curve and regret any inconvenience caused, but our intentions for changing traffic patterns along Dan Allen Drive are very good – improving pedestrian safety.”