NC-50 widening to ease traffic woes in Garner, new bridge and bike path planned

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is tackling traffic congestion in south Garner, Wake County, with a project to widen NC-50 to four lanes.

This significant improvement will include a new bridge over Swift Creek, sidewalks, and a dedicated bike path.

The project will focus on the stretch of NC-50 south of Rand Road and extending past Buffaloe Road. This area has seen significant growth, including a new VA clinic nearing completion, which is expected to add nearly 1,000 vehicles daily.

Local business owner Larry Estes says it’s only going to get harder and harder to get out of their driveway after a long, hard day of work. That’s why he says they need the state to come through with this project.

“The traffic here is really bad. It bottlenecks right here in front of us. The stoplight here at rand road tends to bottle neck,” Estes said.

For the past 27 years, Estes has watched as traffic in the area has increased since moving his shop to this location.

“There’s just more and more people and the building is not slowing down. South of here and all around us, it’s exploding,” Estes said.

In the middle of the day, it’s not so bad, but If there’s an accident on 40, drivers generally use NC50 as a detour. That creates a slower ride to work for Estes.

“Sometimes it takes an hour and a half because the traffic is backed up,” Estes said.

The DOT’s plan to relieve some of the congestion in this area makes this stretch a four-lane highway. The work includes a new bridge over Swift Creek for the extra lanes, as well as sidewalks and a bike path.

“We’re trying to accommodate as many upgrades as possible to really help everyone. Whether you’re riding your bike, whether you’re walking or whether you’re driving, you can do it safely,” Estes said.

Kim Deaner with DOT says funding for the nearly $15 million project is secured, and construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, strategically coinciding with the completion of the new VA clinic.

That alone could add nearly a thousand cars a day on this stretch of road.

“It’s one of the fastest growing areas, that garner area. Basically, I think we’re going to hit it before it gets too much worse,” Estes said.

Estes says plans for a project like this have been talked about in the past, but they have never happened.

NCDOT assures residents that this project is a definite go, aiming to address traffic issues before they become even more severe.