City unveils Glenwood South safety pilot: painted curb extensions first, raised crosswalks possible

The City of Raleigh’s Transportation Department presented a Glenwood South safety pilot to council that will install painted curb extensions at three Glenwood Avenue intersections this fall and evaluate raised crosswalks at select locations. Monique Ghent, a transportation project lead, said council had allocated $200,000 for quick-build improvements to improve pedestrian visibility and reduce vehicle speeds.

Ghent said outreach for the pilot included community meetings and a survey with more than 750 participants. “Hardscaped improvements such as raised crosswalks and raised intersections are the top choice of the participants,” she said. The three pilot intersections are Glenwood Avenue at Johnson Street, Glenwood Avenue at Tucker Street, and Glenwood Avenue at North Street.

Phase one will place painted curb extensions at all corners of the three intersections; phase two will explore raised crosswalks at selected locations. Staff said they are coordinating with street maintenance for installation and that a manager’s update will be published by month’s end. The project page is on the city website under “Glenwood South Safety Pilot,” and the anticipated implementation timeframe is fall 2025.

Councilors asked about upkeep of painted curb extensions and visibility over time; Councilor Patton noted wear at an existing painted curb location and said, “as they fade, they do less of the job they're intended to do.” Transportation staff said the pilot will use a more durable MMA paint — the same product used on recently updated mobility corrals — to improve longevity and visibility, and maintenance will be part of the evaluation.

The pilot is intended to collect pedestrian-behavior data and produce recommendations for a future Glenwood South streetscape plan. Staff said results will inform longer-term sidewalk, accessibility and streetscape work tied to downtown planning efforts.