VHB Consultant Presents Eagle Rock Road Extension Options to Wendell Council

The Wendell Board Meeting held on August 25, 2025, focused on the critical Eagle Rock Road extension project, which aims to address the growing traffic demands in the rapidly developing area of Wendell, North Carolina. The meeting featured a presentation by Andrew Topp, a traffic engineer from VHB, who provided insights into the project's progress and the various design alternatives being considered.

The Eagle Rock Road extension is part of a broader capital project that includes improvements to the Wendell Falls Parkway and the intersection of Selma, NC 231, and Wendell Boulevard. Topp highlighted the significant growth in traffic expected in the area, with projections indicating that daily vehicle trips could double by 2050. This surge in traffic is attributed to ongoing developments, including the Wendell Commerce Center and Wake Tech's expansion, which will increase the number of residents and commuters relying on these roads.

Topp presented four design alternatives for the Eagle Rock Road extension, each aimed at improving traffic flow and safety at the intersection with Wendell Boulevard. The first option, which involved a full access signalized intersection, was deemed inefficient due to long queues and operational challenges. The second alternative proposed a reduced conflict intersection (RCI) design, which rerouted left turns but still faced concerns about traffic management.

The third alternative, favored by both the town and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), allowed for direct left turns from Eagle Rock while rerouting less frequent left turns from Wendell Boulevard. This design achieved a better level of service, rated as a "D," indicating acceptable traffic flow during peak hours. The fourth option, a reverse RCI design, was less favorable due to potential queuing issues with nearby intersections.

Board members expressed their concerns about the projected level of service and the implications for traffic congestion in the area. They emphasized the importance of maintaining efficient routes to downtown Wendell and the surrounding regions, particularly as growth continues. Discussions also touched on the need for future planning to accommodate further development and potential upgrades to road infrastructure.

In conclusion, the Eagle Rock Road extension project represents a significant step in addressing the transportation needs of a growing community. The board's discussions underscored the challenges of balancing development with traffic management, highlighting the importance of strategic planning to ensure that Wendell remains accessible and connected as it evolves. The next steps will involve further design considerations based on the preferred alternative, with an eye toward long-term solutions for the area's transportation infrastructure.