STV was contracted by the City of Raleigh to improve mobility, safety and connectivity for bicycle, pedestrian and vehicular traffic along Lake Wheeler Road while creating a welcoming gateway to Dorothea Dix Park. Upon completion of its master plan, Dorothea Dix Park will become the second‑largest park within a city’s limits in the United States. The project reimagines a key corridor to better support growing residential development, increased park access and future multimodal travel demand.
What challenges is STV addressing?
Lake Wheeler Road’s existing configuration – a two‑lane undivided roadway without turn lanes, sidewalks or bicycle facilities – is not conducive to a multimodal environment. With significant residential growth and the future expansion of Dorothea Dix Park, the corridor needs to safely accommodate increased pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular activity while providing clear, intuitive access to the park.
What solutions is STV delivering?
Consistent with the City’s master plan, STV developed a streetscape concept converting Lake Wheeler Road into a two‑lane divided facility with a center median and a separated bike and pedestrian facility. To establish gateway experiences at park entrances, the team designed a peanut‑shaped roundabout at the Goode Street/Mercury Street intersections and a traditional roundabout at South Saunders Street, along with two additional roundabouts at Daladams Street and Hammell Drive. At a key midblock crossing and the Grissom Street T‑intersection, STV designed an elevated intersection and crosswalks to provide traffic calming and safe pedestrian and bicycle access into the park.
How will this project benefit the community?
The project enhances safety, supports active transportation and strengthens access to Dorothea Dix Park while aligning with long‑term growth and mobility goals for the surrounding neighborhoods.
Key stats and accolades
- Four new roundabouts designed to improve safety, traffic flow, and gateway visibility
- Separated bike and pedestrian facilities supporting multimodal travel
- Public support: Preferred alternative received more than 80% approval from public respondents
