Morrisville Land Use Plan 2021

Roadway Network Morrisville’s roadway network includes numerous incomplete connections and stub streets, many of which appear to be planned or intended to connect but have not been extended. These are often the result of barriers, such as terrain features, sensitive natural areas, municipal boundaries, and changes between property owners and subdi- visions. Though more difficult to address, the railroad right-of-way along NC54 is also a significant physical barrier. These barriers impact connectivity in Morrisville, contrib- uting to longer drive times and concentrating traffic along specific routes within the community. In addition, the network also includes some unpaved and poorly connected roadways that are remnants of Morrisville’s rural past. In many cases, these roadways are part of unincorporated pockets within Morrisville’s planning area or previously unincorporated neighborhoods. For example, homes along Family Farm Road in unincorporated Morris- ville are entirely surrounded by more recent residential investment along Liberty Rose Drive, Justice Walk Avenue, and Newstead Way. Improving these roadways may help enhance general connectivity, long-term investment, and overall community character.

NC54 / Chapel Hill Road As part of addressing the roadway network, special focus should be given to NC54 / Chapel Hill Road as a roadway that expe- riences regular congestion. The need to address traffic along this roadway was regularly discussed throughout the outreach process and identified by residents as one of the most important issues facing Morrisville. The Town should work with NCDOT to explore and implement long-term improve- ments to NC54, including considerations for long-term road widening. In addition, efforts to provide greater east-west access within the Town should help reduce reliance on NC54. Proposed development, particu- larly along NC54, should continue to reflect planned improvement projects to ensure new growth does not further burden the roadway network. Key Considerations: ⊲ Work with NCDOT to explore and imple- ment long-term improvements along NC54. ⊲ Work with NCDOT to explore road widening improvements that will increase the capacity of NC54. ⊲ Continue to align development proposals along NC54 with planned improvement projects to ensure new growth does not further burden the roadway.

Public Transit Morrisville is not currently served by public transit; however, two regional projects have been proposed that would provide transit options in the community including a Bus Rapid Transit network along NC54 and a regional passenger rail service along the North Carolina railroad between Raleigh and Durham. The Town should work with Go Triangle, Triangle J Council of Governments, Wake County, Durham County, partner municipal- ities, NCDOT, and other regional partners to support and actively seek increased public transportation options within Morrisville. Specifically, implementation of an on-demand transit service is currently being explored by Morrisville. In addition, the Town should continue to encourage appropriate develop- ment in proximity to planned projects, like the TOD zoning designation. Enabling and aiding public transit projects in Morrisville will provide greater transportation options for residents and could help reduce automo- bile reliance and congestion. Key Considerations: ⊲ Work with regional partners to support the proposed Bus Rapid Transit network along NC54. ⊲ Work with regional partners to support the proposed regional passenger rail service along the North Carolina Railroad. ⊲ Continue to encourage appropriate devel- opment in proximity to these and other future proposed transit projects, like the TOD zoning designation. ⊲ Continue to work with regional partners in exploring other public transit options that would benefit Morrisville residents, businesses, and employers.

Pedestrian Mobility Overall, pedestrian mobility in Morrisville is supported by an extensive network of side- walks, multi-use paths, and greenway trails. The majority of neighborhoods, commercial areas, and business parks have incorporated sidewalk infrastructure that provides safe routes between the public right-of-way, storefronts, and primary entrances. In certain areas, however, pedestrian infrastructure is less consistent, with sidewalks on only one side of the street, or missing altogether. Along many thoroughfares and collector roads sidewalk gaps are common, sidewalks can end abruptly, and sidewalk segments may shift erratically from one side of the street to another. Expanding the Town’s network of sidewalks and trails will ensure all residents can easily move throughout the community. As devel- opment occurs, the Town should continue to require sidewalks and encourage trail connections to adjacent areas. In addition, the Town should identify and fill existing side - walk gaps, particularly where phased devel- opment has resulted in missing segments. Key Considerations: ⊲ Continue to require sidewalks and encourage trail connections to adjacent areas as development occurs. ⊲ Identify and fill existing sidewalk gaps, particularly where phased development has resulted in missing segments. ⊲ Review the Town’s UDO to ensure side- walk standards and requirements are consistent with national best practices, including limits on by-parcel sidewalk construction in phased residential developments.

In accordance with the Comprehensive Transportation Plan, the Town should seek roadway improvements and extensions that will increase mobility within Morris- ville. This should include new roadways and construction of missing segments to main- tain a comprehensive roadway network that provides efficient routes and distributes traffic within the community. Aligning these projects with proposed and future develop- ment as well as improvements financed by private development will ensure the Town can accommodate changing traffic patterns. Key Considerations: ⊲ Seek roadway improvements and exten- sions to increase mobility and accessibility in Morrisville. ⊲ Prioritize roadway improvements that will provide efficient routes and distribute traffic throughout the roadway network, including new roadways and missing segments. ⊲ Align roadway improvement projects with future redevelopment efforts to balance growth and mobility in the community. ⊲ Assess the impacts that proposed devel- opment projects will have on the existing roadway network and ensure new improvements are planned to alleviate those impacts if necessary.

51 Morrisville Land Use Plan | Chapter 5 – Land Use Considerations