Raleigh Voters To Decide On $200M Transportation Bond

Voters in Raleigh will decide if the city should spend more than $200 million on local road improvements. A bond package will go to referendum in the fall.If passed, city property taxes will increase by 1.3 cents on every $100 to pay for the road improvements.  
 
The funds would widen roads and improve traffic flow in congested areas, according to Transportation Planning Manager Eric Lamb.
 
“We had a number of projects that were already in progress from the 2013 transportation bond, and so part of the funds that are set aside from this would help us complete some of those projects that are already started and are shovel-ready,” Lamb said.
 
A recent survey by the city manager's office identified traffic congestion as one of residents' top complaints. Lamb said the bond package would fund a variety of projects.
 
“In some cases, there would be lanes added to roads,” he said. “As part of all of our projects now we include sidewalks, bike lanes, and street lights as part of the improvements. There are a couple of roundabouts that are proposed as part of some of the projects.”
 
The city's upcoming budget proposal, which the city council will vote on next week, also calls for a property tax rate increase of 0.7 cents.