Posted October 12, 2007
In 2004 the Town of Wake Forest received a grant from the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Enhancement Program for streetscape improvements along South White Street extending from Spring Street to Elm Street. Three years later, what has come to be known as the White Street Plan is moving forward but at a slower pace than most had anticipated.
Yet, progress is being made.
The White Street Plan is a collaborative effort between the Town of Wake Forest, the Downtown Revitalization Corporation (DRC), and the NCDOT. It includes sidewalk restoration, tree and architectural lighting, landscaping, and parking improvements, as well as new benches, trash receptacles, and directional signage.
Utilities services located under the streets and sidewalks are also important elements of the plan. By being mindful of subsurface conditions, officials aim to reduce the likelihood that future problems associated with water and sewer lines, electric and telephone wiring, and other underground infrastructure will cause further delays - and result in additional costs.
Since July 2006 the Town has been working with Allison Platt & Associates on the project design which is nearing completion. Phase I will address sidewalk, lighting and landscaping improvements on both sides of South White Street, from Roosevelt Avenue to Wait Avenue, and the west side of South White Street, from Wait Avenue to Jones Street. The Town also added the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and North White Street to the scope of Phase I.
In June 2007 the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office and the Enhancement Unit of the NCDOT reviewed and approved the White Street master plan and the Phase I construction plans. However, the official review comments from the NCDOT’s Encroachment Division and the signal plans for the added intersection are still pending. Once construction gets underway it will be performed in accordance with the Renaissance Plan and with restoration specifications for historic districts.
The Wake Forest Planning Department and the Design and Appearance Task Force are currently reviewing the latest set of plans which were revised in mid-September. Both are expected to send their comments to the landscape architect and engineer in the coming weeks. Further consultation with both the landscape architect and the project engineer will be necessary, however, to address a new issue concerning the depth of the water main under South White Street.
Once the plans are completed, the project can be bid out for construction. The process of advertising for bids, opening the bids, selecting a contractor, negotiating with the selected contractor, and signing the contract is expected to take several months.