2025 Wrap-up - Ready for the Next Phase

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is rapidly moving forward toward the final design and construction phases. Here are the key accomplishments from 2025 that are building a better, more connected future for Chapel Hill.

Funding secured - Clearing the path to $150 Million

We're making great strides in securing the Federal funding needed for this major project.

  • The project has secured a total of $32 million in federal funding toward the $150M goal. This includes $24 million in additional federal funds recently dedicated from previous years' allocations,

DownloadDesign work hits the 60% mark

Our design team hit a critical milestone, moving us closer to construction.

  • 60% Design is Complete! After about 18 months of work, the 60% design plans for the entire transit corridor are finished.

  • We've reviewed these plans with town departments and other agencies. Now, we'll use their feedback to create the 90% design plans, which are scheduled to be completed in 2026.

Saving time and money with partners

Working together with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is saving time and money.

  • We signed agreements with NCDOT for work near the I-40/Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. intersection.

  • NCDOT will now purchase land and build our future bus lanes as part of their larger road improvement project. This saves us significant money and avoids having to do the same construction work twice.

Ready for Federal investment

We had a successful review with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to confirm the project's readiness.

  • In September, the project team completed a two-day workshop with the FTA. We reviewed our latest costs and budget plans, the construction schedule, and the team's ability to manage the project.

  • The final report from the FTA will finalize the project’s budget and schedule, allowing us to formally submit the request for the main Federal grant later this year.

Looking ahead and staying connected

These 2025 accomplishments demonstrate solid progress in funding, design, and partnership, keeping the BRT project on track to deliver faster, more reliable transit to Chapel Hill.

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