Airport Boulevard Extension

At a glance

Based on the approved minutes, which summarize rather than transcribe.

What: Phase 1 of the Airport Boulevard extension, a road project with multi-use paths and sidewalks that has been in the Comprehensive Transportation Plan since 2002 and under active work for six years (see also Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update).
Where it stands: at a November 12, 2025 Council work session, Council did not pause it. It reached consensus for staff to press NCDOT for a lower speed limit, crossing guards and other school safety measures, and to explore restriping the new section down to two lanes until Phase 2.
Disputes: Scroggins-Johnson wanted a pause (child safety near schools, tree canopy, small-town feel, and the McCrimmon flyover coming second); Fender opposed the proposed 45 mph limit and wanted 35 mph with a barrier at the school. Staff said a delay would not redirect funds to McCrimmon, would not return money already invested, and could mean lost future funding and possible federal repayment.

Two residents commented on the project: one submitted online opposition citing pedestrian safety, and one thanked Scroggins-Johnson and Fender for their advocacy and questioned the need for the project and its staff-led history. A third speaker at the Duke Energy annexation hearing (see Duke Energy Airport Boulevard Annexation) said residents were uninformed and asked Council to reevaluate the project.

Michele Stegall and Mark Spanioli gave the history; schools were involved, with school speed zones and enhanced pedestrian features planned. Staff said the town still owes some funds for increased costs, buffers at the school are typically negotiated in right-of-way acquisition, and the Town pays for school crossing guards.
Johnson, Rao, Robotti and Garimella supported continuing; Rao feared NCDOT would not return and funds would be lost; Robotti advocated heavy enforcement and police crossing guards if the limit is 45 mph. Mayor Cawley backed continuing and favored 45 mph once Phase 2 is complete. Robotti supported Scroggins-Johnson's restriping idea.

Airport Boulevard Extension0