News

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

RTA to launch RDU airport infrastructure development task force
At today’s RTA annual retreat, RDU CEO Michael Landguth gave an update on the current state of the airport — both needed projects and the available funding picture. To support and aid our airport partners, we are launching an airport infrastructure development task force in concert with RDU Airport to identify potential solutions.  We are looking for a variety of expertise, and a willingness to engage over the next several months. The meeting dates will be late mornings on: Sept. 25, Oct. 25, Nov. 22, Dec. 17, Jan. 7, and of course our annual meeting on Jan 17. Note: participants cannot be doing business with RDU currently or actively pursuing work over the next 5 months. If you would like to be considered for the task force, please email me directly via this link  (deadline Tuesday, Aug. 20, 3 p.m.). Please reply with any questions.

Successful leadership retreat moves our region forward
More than 80 representatives of RTA Leadership Team and Bronze member firms attended today’s 18th annual RTA Retreat at The Umstead Hotel and Spa. We welcomed a number of key partners for updates and discussions on the state of transportation funding, the status of major projects, and new initiatives to advance transit and congestion relief. The group also endorsed the Town of Cary’s $113 million Transportation Bond on the ballot this fall. You can download the complete meeting presentation deck here. Thank you to everyone who attended! If you are not yet at the RTA Leadership Team level, reach out to us or contact Robert Doreauk, RTA membership sales chair.

Low-cost intersection innovation opens in Cary
The regional business community has consistently supported both major freeway improvements as well as low-cost enhancements to intersections and interchanges. One example is the concept of “Dual Left Flashing Yellow Arrows (FYA).” This involves a signalized intersection with dual left turn lanes that displays — at least for some cycles — a flashing yellow arrow in addition to the green arrow. The newest Dual Left FYA location in our region, and the third in Cary, was activated earlier this week at the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Cary Parkway / Cary Academy entrance . Kudos to NCDOT, the Town of Cary, and other partners for continuing to look for ways to make our roadways more efficient as well as safe — learn more about this innovation in this week’s RTA Thursday Thoughts at 3 blog .

Thank you to all RTA members for your support of regional mobility, and thank you to our regional transportation partners who keep us moving every day.

Let’s get moving,

Joe

Joe Milazzo II, PE
RTA Executive Director