Public Input Invited on Future Transportation Analysis for Blue Hill (Ephesus-Fordham) District
Beyond vehicles and roadways, this traffic study assesses public transit, cycling, walking and driving. Learn more and provide your input.
The public is invited to provide input on a multi-modal transportation impact analysis for the Blue Hill (Ephesus-Fordham) District for 2030 future year conditions. The study is part of the Town of Chapel Hill’s focus to mitigate traffic and create greater opportunities for walkability and connectivity in the area.
The public input session is scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, in meeting room A of the Chapel Hill Public Library. The session will provide an overview of the study, and opportunity for public input and questions.
The four corridors involved in the analysis are:
US 15-501 (Fordham Boulevard) from Estes Drive to Erwin Road/Europa Drive
Ephesus Church Road/Eastgate Crossing from E. Franklin Street to Frances Street
Elliott Road from Old Oxford Road/Velma Street to US 15-501 (Fordham Boulevard)
E. Franklin Street from Estes Drive to US 15-501 (Fordham Boulevard) interchange
Background The Ephesus Fordham Area – newly named Blue Hill -- became a new zoning district in July 2014. The Town of Chapel Hill’s goal is to renew and transform an area characterized by strip malls, parking lots, confusing roadways and traffic congestion. The area includes some of Chapel Hill’s older, suburban style shopping centers -- including Eastgate Shopping Center, built in 1958; Village Plaza, built in 1974; and Rams Plaza, built in 1982.
2011 TIA – A Traffic Impact Analysis was completed for the Ephesus-Fordham District in 2011. The community expressed an interest in a revised analysis that expands the study area and includes an assessment of all modes of transportation (transit, cycling, walking and driving).
Revised TIA 2016 – In fall 2016, the Town retained services of a qualified consulting firm for the preparation of a Multi-Modal Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA) for the EF Area. At the first public information meeting held on Oct. 12, 2016, Town staff presented an overview of the project, study area, timeline and TIA scope (E-F TIA Scope).
A second public information meeting was held on Feb. 14, 2017, when staff presented study results and methodology for 2016 existing conditions analyses to include data collection processes, traffic model development, vehicular operations, transit, and pedestrian/bicycle networks.
