The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) announced a $83.8 million grade‑separation project in Cary that will move Northeast Maynard Road under the railroad tracks near East Chatham Street. The improvement is intended to eliminate dangerous vehicle‑train conflicts, reduce pedestrian crashes, and keep traffic moving smoothly for families and commuters.

Why the project is needed

For years the at‑grade crossing at Maynard Road has been a safety hotspot. Over the past decade the intersection has seen multiple crashes, including a May 2026 Amtrak collision that injured six passengers and shut the road for more than seven hours. A 2014 accident at the same crossing claimed a life. NCDOT says a grade‑separation will remove these hazards and provide a more reliable route for daily commuters and school traffic.

Project timeline and funding

NCDOT estimates the total cost at about $83.8 million, with roughly $37.3 million earmarked for property acquisition and $46.5 million for construction and utilities. The agency plans to begin acquiring the necessary right‑of‑way in summer 2027, with construction slated to start in summer 2030, pending final design approvals.

Impact on local businesses

Community members expressed concern that the project could force some small, family‑run businesses to relocate. At a public meeting, Chris Spinks, owner of Toyo Shokuhin & Gifts and Sake Shop, said he left the session “a little more confused than when I went there.” Long‑time resident Li‑Chun Young, whose family operates The Sea Depot on East Chatham Road, acknowledged the need for growth but asked, “How do we create progress that doesn’t erase the small family business?”

NCDOT responded that it is actively evaluating ways to minimize right‑of‑way impacts. The agency highlighted a state relocation assistance program that may provide eligible businesses with financial help to move, though specific eligibility criteria will be determined as the design is refined.

Public input and next steps

The department is accepting public comments through October 27. Residents and business owners can submit feedback via the project’s online portal, by email, or by phone. NCDOT pledged that all comments will be considered throughout the development process and will carry equal weight regardless of how they are submitted.

When asked about the timeline, a NCDOT spokesperson emphasized that the agency’s priority is safety for Cary’s families and commuters, and that the project remains part of the broader Sealed Corridor Program aimed at improving rail crossings along the Raleigh‑Charlotte corridor.

What to watch for

As design work continues, the agency will release more detailed maps of the affected properties and a final list of businesses that may need to relocate. Property owners should stay tuned for updates on relocation assistance eligibility and any upcoming public‑information sessions.

Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.