North Carolina Construction News staff writer
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded the Town of Chapel Hill an additional $24.4 million for the North-South Bus Rapid Transit (NSBRT) project. The 8.2-mile route along the Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., S. Columbia St., and US 15-501 south corridor will connect Eubanks Park and Ride to Southern Village Park and Ride. The route will include dedicated bus lanes, more buses, shorter wait times, and significant pedestrian and cycling improvements.
“We are excited to receive this grant award to bring faster, more reliable, and even easier-to-use service for our customers in this corridor, while also providing much-need cycling and pedestrian improvements,” said Chapel Hill Transit Director Brian Litchfield. “We appreciate the continued support of our federal, state, regional, and local partners for this landmark project. Our project team is working tirelessly to bring NSBRT to our community and this funding is a result of their excellent work and dedication.”
This grant increases allocated federal funding to more than $32.5 million. The town has requested a total of $146 million in federal funding for the project, which accounts for 80% of the estimated $183 million project cost – much of which President Biden recommended in his fiscal year 2025 budget.
“This award will help fund an accessible and sustainable bus system that will connect residents and visitors to job opportunities, schools, healthcare facilities, family, and more,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), a champion of the project. “I look forward to seeing the transformative impact that this project will have on reducing carbon emissions, easing road congestion, and improving job accessibility in our growing region for years to come.”
Over the next six months, Chapel Hill Transit, with the support of its consultant AECOM, will complete NSBRT’s 60% design, marking a major project milestone. While the overall timeline is subject to change based on several factors, the Town expects construction to begin in 2027 with service launching in 2029.