Raleigh's East Morgan Street is about to get a bit squeezed for space, according to a city announcement. Starting on Monday, two travel lanes, one bike lane, and street parking from South Wilmington to South Blount streets will be closed between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day. This disruption is scheduled to continue through July 3, as the city undertakes a significant capital improvement project in the 100 block of the area.
Drivers and cyclists navigating the corridors of Raleigh's downtown might need to take a beat, as the usual ebb and flow of the city's traffic is soon to be interrupted. The lane closures will leave one lane open for eastbound traffic. As for parking, it will be restricted in the designated areas, and the folks with the power to ticket will be out there, making sure the restrictions are followed.
The City of Raleigh has suggested that those affected by the closures plan alternate routes and, let's be honest, pad their travel times a bit. The steps being taken are in service of progress, but progress, as it seems, will require a bit of patience and perhaps an early morning alarm for some. A detailed notice on the upcoming changes was posted on the North Carolina Department of Transportation website.
While the work might cause some temporary inconveniences, the end result is intended to be a thoroughfare more fitting of Raleigh's growing needs. But for now, commuters and, city dwellers are advised to take the advice to heart — plan for a different route, maybe discover a part of Raleigh you haven't seen yet, and stay informed on construction progress. More information on how the closures will affect local traffic patterns, can be found on the City of Raleigh's and NCDOT's respective websites.
