Durham Council hears concerns over Highway 98 development traffic impacts

The Durham City Council meeting held on May 5, 2025, focused heavily on transportation issues and the implications of proposed developments in the area. The discussions highlighted concerns regarding traffic congestion, safety, and the adequacy of infrastructure to support new projects.

The meeting began with a presentation on the potential impacts of a new development project on Highway 98. Concerns were raised about the project's failure to meet comprehensive policy standards, particularly regarding carbon emissions and the lack of a 15-minute neighborhood concept. The speaker emphasized that the project is car-centric, lacking nearby jobs and continuous sidewalks to amenities.

Traffic capacity was a significant topic, with data presented indicating that the existing road, NC 98, is already over capacity. The current average daily traffic (ADT) is approximately 15,000 vehicles, and the proposed project could increase this number by nearly 4,500 vehicles, pushing the total to 19,500 ADT—33% over the road's capacity. This figure does not account for additional traffic from over 23 other developments in the vicinity, which could add an estimated 62,400 vehicles per day.

Further concerns were voiced regarding the lack of planned transportation projects in the area, as noted in the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). The absence of necessary infrastructure improvements, such as wider turn lanes and sidewalks, was highlighted as a significant oversight.

Community members expressed their opposition to the rezoning and development of the Howard Place project. One resident recounted a personal experience of a power outage caused by an accident on Highway 98, underscoring the dangers of the current road conditions. Another speaker pointed out the lack of safe walking routes for children to access schools, emphasizing that the area lacks sidewalks and walkable trails.

The meeting concluded with a recess, allowing council members to reflect on the concerns raised. The discussions underscored the urgent need for comprehensive planning and infrastructure improvements to address the growing traffic challenges in Durham. The council is expected to consider these issues further in upcoming sessions, as community members continue to advocate for safer and more sustainable development practices.