During a recent government meeting, Wake County officials discussed the ongoing challenges related to orphan roads—roads built to public standards but never turned over to the state for maintenance due to incomplete developer obligations. Terry Nolan, who presented the update, highlighted that Wake County currently has approximately 150 miles of orphan roads, which pose significant issues, including high project costs and emerging housing concerns.

Nolan noted that previous discussions had suggested engaging developers to identify barriers to transferring these roads to the Department of Transportation (DOT). Conversations with home builders revealed a need for consistency and reliability from the DOT, particularly regarding timely inspections. Developers expressed frustration over the frequent turnover of DOT staff, which complicates the inspection process.

The county is exploring the restoration of bonding authority, previously effective in incentivizing developers to complete road projects. Wake County had utilized small bonds to encourage road turnover, but this authority was revoked by the state legislature. Currently, the county holds some bonds for ongoing projects, which are being used to fund necessary studies and construction.

To address the issue of orphan roads, the county plans to implement a monitoring system for subdivisions nearing completion. This includes sending reminders to developers about their responsibilities regarding road turnover and establishing a watch list for new subdivisions. However, responses from developers have been limited.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the impact of orphan roads on real estate transactions, with many buyers facing difficulties securing mortgages for homes on these roads. Legal professionals indicated that buyers often assume significant risks when purchasing such properties.

Nolan emphasized the need for comprehensive state legislation to tackle the backlog of orphan roads across North Carolina. While some funding assistance proposals have been introduced, the demand for support far exceeds available resources. The Wake County Orphan Road program is tailored for larger subdivisions, but officials are also seeking innovative solutions for smaller communities with fewer property owners.

Wake County's efforts have garnered attention from other counties in North Carolina, with officials from Durham and Iredell counties reaching out for guidance in establishing similar programs. The county's proactive approach positions it as a model for addressing orphan road issues statewide.