Project Overview

This project is intended to improve mobility and safety for pedestrians and drivers accessing and passing Panther Creek High School (PCHS). The project will construct the following elements:

• Traffic signal at the eastern PCHS driveway (Channing Park Circle);
• Midblock crosswalk near the Morris Branch Greenway including a pedestrian-activated rapid flashing beacon, advance flasher device, and median refuge island;
• Median modifications at the western PCHS driveway intended to improve sight visibility.

McCrimmon Parkway is a state-maintained thoroughfare. While this project is designed and funded by Cary, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is ultimately the jurisdictional authority for the project. 

Click here to view exhibits that show the project scope and concept.

Vision Zero Framework
Traffic control devices like traffic signals seek to create a safer environment by separating users in time and reducing interactions.  Warning devices like rapid flashing beacons and high-visibility crosswalk markings are intended to increase attentiveness and awareness of vulnerable road users (VRUs).

Project Updates

• Fall 2022 - In response to a request for a crosswalk from PCHS students, Transportation and Police conducted a pedestrian study and collected drone footage to assess the existing conditions.  A pedestrian traffic analysis was also completed using an on-call engineering consultant.
• Winter 2023 - The pedestrian traffic analysis report was received from the consultant.  Recommendations included signalized pedestrian crosswalks at both school driveways.
• Spring 2023 - Staff developed an initial concept (approximately 5% design development) for a traffic signal at the east driveway, a mid-block pedestrian crossing near the 540 overpass, and to improve sight visibility at the west driveway. This concept was shared with NCDOT.
• Summer 2023 – An engineering consultant was hired to develop a more detailed concept design (15% design development) and supporting cost estimate for the project. 
• Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 – Staff collaborated with the consultant to develop and review designs for different components of the project. The finalized 15% design was sent to NCDOT for review and acceptance of the proposed concept.
• Winter / Spring 2025 – Staff reviewed and updated the project cost estimate as part of Cary's capital reassessment review.
• Summer 2025 - Staff kicked off the detailed design phase of the project, beginning preparations for survey and roadway design using Cary staff resources and for traffic signal design using an on-call engineering consultant. Collaboration continued with NCDOT.
• Winter 2025 / 2026 - Staff completed the initial project survey and created the project base map that shows right-of-way limits, topography, and existing roadway geometry. In addition, a Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) contractor was retained to provide utility locating and surveying to supplement that project base map.
• Spring 2026 - Staff initiated the process to acquire easements necessary for project construction. A community meeting was held on May 5th to share project updates. Click here to view the meeting presentation.

Check back for future updates and further project information.

---

Project Contact 

Adam Pilarz, PE, PTOE, PMP
Project Manager - Traffic
Cary Transportation Department
adam.pilarz@carync.gov