North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Gov. Roy Cooper and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited construction sites across North Carolina, including the groundbreaking of the Salem Parkway Multi-Use Trail in Winston-Salem, a visit to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Transportation Institute in Greensboro, and a walking tour in Durham to view projects funded by the federal RAISE grant.
Along with local officials, they showcased significant infrastructure projects and emphasized the importance of federal investments in the state.
“Infrastructure initiatives are underway across North Carolina thanks to collaboration among local, state, and federal partners,” said Governor Cooper. “These projects make our roads, highways, parks, and cities safer and improve the lives of people in every corner of our state.”
The Salem Parkway Multi-Use Trail, a 1.3-mile urban trail, will connect key locations including Truist Stadium, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist hospital, and downtown businesses to the Winston-Salem Strollway, downtown commercial districts, and several residential neighborhoods. The groundbreaking marks the start of Phase 1 of the $2.9 million project, funded by Federal Transportation Alternatives and Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program funds.
At North Carolina A&T State University’s Transportation Institute, a research, training, and technology transfer unit within the Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics, Governor Cooper and Secretary Buttigieg talked to students about their research projects, toured the rural test track, and observed a drone demonstration. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is partnering with NC A&T to conduct research on autonomous vehicles to prepare for the future of transportation.
In Durham, a $12 million federal RAISE grant was announced for safety measures along Holloway Street to improve intersections, close sidewalk gaps, upgrade bus stops, and more.
The Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making a historic investment of over $415 billion to improve the nation’s roads, bridges, rail systems, public transit, ports, and airports. North Carolina is set to receive $9.3 billion for over 439 projects under this law.