Council backs resolution to name Lewisburg Road bridge for Dr. William Hedrick

The council adopted a resolution supporting the naming of the Lewisburg Road bridge (U.S. 401 North) in honor of Dr. William Hedrick and directed staff to transmit the materials to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for consideration. Michael Moore, an assistant city manager, presented the resolution and described Dr. Hedrick as a Raleigh native who practiced medicine in the community for more than 60 years before retiring in 2023. Moore said Wake County had already passed a similar resolution and noted the bridge spans both Wake County and the city, meaning NCDOT requires resolutions from both jurisdictions. "Doctor Hedrick and his wife, Mary, donated 23 acres and did a reduced sale of the property for us to develop Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve," Moore said. Moore also said Dr. Hedrick had been previously honored by the city, including recognition in July 2012 as "Doctor William Hedrick Day." A councilor moved to adopt the resolution and direct staff to transmit the resolution and supporting materials to NCDOT; the council voted in favor. Dr. Hedrick, his wife Mary and a daughter attended the meeting for the presentation and recognition.