News

Here is a brief weekly update from the RTA business coalition – the voice of the regional business community on transportation.

2021 RTA Breakfast: The future of business travel and RDU
On July 9, we will hold our first large in-person annual event since last year’s RTA State of Mobility. At the 2021 RTA Transportation Breakfast, presented by the Research Triangle Foundation of NC, the RTA RDU AID Task Force will present updated recommendations on securing the future of RDU Airport in a changed, post-pandemic air travel environment. In addition, we will welcome guest speaker Scott McCartney, Wall Street Journal business travel columnist, who will share insights on the national landscape for commercial aviation. RSVP here to attend (or to sponsor at $999) the in-person event at The Umstead Hotel and Spa. Don’t forget you have one or more tickets included with your RTA membership – I can’t wait to see many of you there; we also expect to have a follow-up online-only event later this summer on this topic.

The trip home from RDU just got a little shorter
NCDOT recently achieved substantial completion on enhancements to the I-40 Aviation Parkway interchange (exit 285) – including the implementation of an RTA suggestion for the intersection. RTA commissioned a study by Regional Leadership Team member Clark Nexsen to review the opportunity to retain a flashing yellow arrow for left turners accessing I-40 westbound from northbound Aviation Parkway. NCDOT approved and implemented the recommendations to restripe, rephase, and simplify the intersection signal. Kudos to our partners with NCDOT Mobility and Safety and Highway Division 5 for a host of improvements to I-40/Aviation Pkwy. and I-40/Airport Blvd. that will create significant operational and safety benefits! More in this week’s blog.

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, and thank you for your membership in RTA!

Let’s get moving,

Joe Milazzo II, PE
RTA Executive Director