2014 Bond Referendum Project Updates

Wake Forest Bond Referendum Logo 2014 In 2014, Wake Forest voters passed a $25.1 million bond for three separate capital projects totaling $55 million. The bond referendum included street and sidewalk improvements ($6.3 million), parks and recreation facilities ($14.2 million) and greenway improvements ($4.6 million).

Here's an update on those projects:


Stadium Drive Complete Street Project
The town will implement a "complete street" vision along Stadium Drive from Capital Boulevard to North Wingate Street. Complete streets are designed to be friendly for vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians. Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2017.


Priority Pedestrian Corridors Project
This initiative will provide pedestrian connections along Wait Avenue and Oak Avenue. A sidewalk and multi-use path will be constructed on Wait Avenue from North Allen Road to Traditions Grande Blvd. A multi-use path will be constructed on Oak Avenue from Harris Road to North Wingate Street. Construction is expected to begin in late spring 2017.


Wayfinding for Parks & Greenways
The town recently completed a comprehensive Wayfinding Plan for Parks & Greenways. The plan establishes an overall signage and wayfinding system to improve visitors' experiences in Wake Forest parks and greenways.

Phase 1 signage will be implemented at Smith Creek Greenway at Burlington Mills, Dunn Creek Greenway, Sanford Creek Greenway, Smith Creek Soccer Center & Greenway, E. Carroll Joyner Park, and J.B. Flaherty Park. Phase 1 is expected to be completed by July 2017.


Ligon Mill Road Operational Improvements
The town will improve vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow on Ligon Mill Road from South Main Street to the Walmart driveway by adding turn lanes, a variable median, sidewalks, bike lanes, streetlights, pedestrian signal improvements and relocating utilities. Construction is expected to begin in late summer 2017.


Joyner Park Community Center
The town is in the preliminary planning stages for the Joyner Park Community Center. In January 2017 the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department hosted two public meetings to solicit public feedback concerning the center. Citizens were also encouraged to share their comments via email.

Information gathered during the sessions is being used to help identify, develop, and evaluate the design of the community center. Construction is expected to begin in 2018-2019.


Northern Wake Senior Center
An architect was retained to design the expansion of the center. The design is expected to be complete by early 2017 and construction to bid by late 2017.


Durham Road Improvements Project
The town will implement a "complete street" vision along Durham Road from Retail Drive to Tyler Run Drive. In addition to improving traffic flow, this project will fill a 1.6 mile gap in the pedestrian network along Durham Road by installing a combination of multi-use path and sidewalk. Preliminary survey and design work is currently underway. Residents will be invited to participate in a Citizen Informational Workshop during summer 2017.


Smith & Sanford Creek Greenway Project
The Smith & Sanford Creek Greenway Project will provide a continuous pedestrian and bicycle friendly facility consisting of approximately 2.4 miles of greenway trail and 1.25 miles of sidewalk and multi-use path in the vicinity of Heritage Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. Construction is expected to be complete by fall 2017.


Dunn Creek Greenway – Downtown Connector Project
The town is constructing a .3 mile greenway trail from the existing northern end of the Dunn Creek Greenway at the NC 98 Bypass pedestrian culvert, north to town property. The project will also include trail spurs connecting to Deacons Ridge and Cardinal Park subdivisions. Public art and lighting is planned for the existing pedestrian culvert. Construction is expected to be complete by fall 2017.


Smith Creek Greenway, Phase 2 Project
The Smith Creek Greenway Phase 2 Project will connect the existing section of Smith Creek Greenway at Burlington Mills Road to Smith & Sanford Creek Greenway Junction adding approximately 2.8 miles greenway trail to the town's network of trails. Preliminary survey and design work is underway. Residents will be invited to participate in a Citizen Informational Workshop during summer 2017.


Dunn Creek Greenway, Phase 3 Project
This initiative will connect the Dunn Creek – Downtown Connector to Ailey Young Park adding approximately 1.53 miles greenway trail to the town's network of trails. Preliminary survey and design work is underway. Residents will be invited to participate in a Citizen Informational Workshop during spring 2017.