The development of Raleigh's first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line along New Bern Avenue has encountered several setbacks. Initially expected to commence operations this year, the project faced delays due to a lack of construction bids. The city responded by restructuring the $90 million project into multiple phases and increasing the budget to $96.75 million. Despite these adjustments, only one bid was received, which exceeded the budget. Consequently, the city plans to divide the project into three areas and four construction phases, aiming for completion by late 2028.

City officials have provided insights into the revised project plan, addressing concerns about cost increases and timelines. They emphasized that the bidding process remains open to contractors from all regions, not just North Carolina. Additionally, they acknowledged the challenges posed by regional construction demands but expressed confidence in moving forward with the project as planned.

Navigating Budget Constraints and Construction Delays

The BRT project initially faced significant hurdles when no construction bids were submitted for the original $90 million plan. To address this issue, the city restructured the project into smaller segments and increased the budget to $96.75 million. However, even with these changes, the sole bid received exceeded the allocated funds. This setback required further adjustments, including dividing the project into three distinct areas and four construction phases.

The decision to split the project into smaller parts aims to make it more manageable and attract a wider range of contractors. By breaking down the work into three areas—Downtown to Tarboro Road, Tarboro Road to I-440, and I-440 to New Hope Road—the city hopes to streamline the bidding process. Each phase will be carefully managed to ensure timely completion while staying within the revised budget. The city is also providing more time for contractors to complete the work, which could mitigate some of the challenges previously encountered.

Revised Timeline and Future Prospects

The new timeline for the BRT project involves advertising and awarding the four construction packages through 2025, with work potentially starting as early as summer this year. If everything proceeds as planned, the BRT system could become operational by the latter part of 2028. City officials are optimistic about this schedule, despite acknowledging the complexities involved in large-scale infrastructure projects.

To facilitate smoother progress, the city is hosting an Industry Day where potential contractors can meet with city staff and gain a better understanding of the project requirements. Officials emphasize that the bidding process remains open to contractors from any region, not limited to North Carolina. They also recognize the ongoing challenges in the construction industry, particularly the impact of recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. Despite these challenges, the city remains committed to delivering the BRT system on time and within budget, ensuring it becomes a vital component of Raleigh's public transportation network.