Providing access to a highly anticipated mixed-use development in Wake Forest, N.C., with minimal traffic impacts presented both a challenging and exciting opportunity. This project generated considerable enthusiasm as it is projected to not only transform the landscape but also provide a significant economic boost to the Town of Wake Forest.

DRMP’s proficiency in Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) played a pivotal role in providing safe access to the nearly 100-acre Grove 98 project, which features a 100,000 square-foot Wegmans grocery store, restaurants, retail space, and luxury apartments and townhomes.

Our firm developed an access plan and conducted a TIA to identify necessary roadway improvements. As the lead design engineering firm for the roadway and traffic signal plans, we collaborated with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the Town of Wake Forest to make certain that the project followed regulatory guidelines while meeting the needs of the public.

Optimizing Access

To establish multiple access points to the Grove 98 development, we worked with NCDOT and the Town of Wake Forest to incorporate a planned Town Road extension through the property and developed a quadrant left turn design.  

The transportation improvements focused on minimizing turning movements at each intersection along Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass.  NCDOT desired a minimum number of intersections and access points along NC 98 Bypass to allow through traffic to experience as little delay as possible in this area.  One of the project’s challenges involved providing multiple access points for people frequenting businesses or entering the residential section within the development without impacting through traffic movements on NC 98 Bypass.

A quadrant left turn reduced conflict intersection (RCI) was designed on NC 98 Bypass at Ligon Mill Road along with the associated U-turn bulbs. The quadrant left turn design allows the main intersection of Ligon Mill Road at Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass to operate more efficiently with shorter delays and queues.  Several analysis models were prepared and reviewed by NCDOT to establish the improvements associated with the quadrant left RCI.  

Additionally, we extended Ligon Mill Road through the property as a Town roadway, serving as the primary road for the quadrant left turn design and the main access for the development.

Providing Connectivity 

The extension of Ligon Mill Road provided a significant connection to NC 98 Bypass for a large area of town south of the development.  The extension of Ligon Mill Road involved coordination and support from the Town of Wake Forest to provide the ultimate roadway section including sidewalk, multi-use path, and connectivity to surrounding neighborhoods.  A challenge with the design of Ligon Mill Road was planning for the ultimate extension of the roadway to the north of the property where a wetland area will need to be crossed.  The design involved initial hydraulic analysis to help plan for the future wetland crossing and establish the grade and alignment of Ligon Mill Road for the future extension. 

Grove 98 is poised to transform Wake Forest into a dining and shopping destination with a diverse mix of housing. DRMP’s role in this project exemplifies its commitment to overcoming complex transportation challenges, while contributing to the success and sustainability of the community.