Raleigh project manager previews Blige Road bike-and-pedestrian upgrades, says work will finish this fall

Ben Henderson, the project manager for the Blige Road corridor improvements, said crews have finished nighttime paving and are completing signal work and final grading at the Rey Creek intersection as the project moves toward completion this fall.

“This bridge right here will create a safe access for both pedestrians and bicyclists to connect some key locations along the corridor,” Henderson said, speaking on site about the Big Red Bridge, which spans Wade Avenue.

The project, introduced on camera by presenter Mo'Nique, includes a multi-use path, new sidewalks and what the update described as Raleigh’s first protected intersection. Henderson said a protected intersection separates bicycle, pedestrian and motor-vehicle lanes and crossings to increase visibility and safety.

Over the next few weeks, crews will finalize the Rey Creek intersection, install the remaining pedestrian accommodations, complete signal work and install the safety railing on the Big Red Bridge, Henderson said. “The good news is all this will be done this fall,” he added.

The update did not list contract awards, budget totals or funding sources. For ongoing updates the presenters directed residents to raleighnc.gov (search “Blige Bike Ped”) and to subscribe to the project newsletter or follow Raleigh Transpo on social media.

No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded in the update; it is a project-status briefing rather than a governing-body meeting. The presenters did not specify a date for a final inspection or public opening beyond the general completion estimate for the fall.