Close the Gap on Transportation Needs

Where are we today?

There are many ways to measure how Greensboro’s transportation system is performing. In terms of traffic congestion, Greensboro has 53 intersections and 38 miles of roadway operating over capacity during peak travel times. Ten years ago, there were 33 intersections operating over capacity. Traffic models predict that 68 miles of roadways in Greensboro will be operating over capacity 10 years from now.

More than 600 miles of streets in Greensboro lack sidewalks. Greensboro has a good network of trails and greenways, but as gas prices continue to rise, demand for safe and inviting facilities for walkers, bicyclists, and transit users will also grow. Transit services have expanded, but they still do not reach many areas of the City.

Infrastructure maintenance affects all travelers. The City maintains 946 miles of streets, 402 miles of sidewalk, and 105 bridges. Nearly a third of the streets are in poor condition and one-fifth require resurfacing. Sidewalks, bridges, and buses tell a similar story, and existing funding amounts cannot meet these needs.

How did we get here?

Three key factors have helped create the current situation of transportation needs in Greensboro. Like many other cities, Greensboro has been growing. With new residents and jobs, new demands are placed on our existing transportation network. We have to expand and maintain our existing transportation infrastructure to accommodate growing demands.

The City’s transportation system is growing. At the same time, the dollar just doesn’t go as far as it once did. During the last few years, costs have risen dramatically for all sorts of items needed to maintain and expand a transportation system. This includes materials such as concrete and steel, as well as fuel for buses, benefits for employees, and the cost of property acquisition.

While the system has grown and costs have risen dramatically, funding has not kept up. The City relies on local, state, and federal sources to maintain and expand roadways, improve congested intersections, build and fix sidewalks and greenways, and maintain and expand the public transportation system. In addition, all of the funding from the 2000 Transportation Bonds has been allocated and no new local capital funding exists. Funding levels are flat or decreasing.

Where will we be tomorrow?

Greensboro has a strong history of making transportation improvements a priority. As a result, Greensboro has a relatively good transportation network as compared to other major municipalities across the southeast United States. It is imperative to the economic health of Greensboro that we maintain a good transportation network. City staff has proposed roadway improvements along 17 miles of streets and 23 intersection improvement projects to help manage existing traffic congestion and mitigate anticipated traffic growth.

Also, 72 miles of sidewalk and 31 miles of greenway projects have been proposed in order to make critical connections and fill in gaps in the non-motorized transportation network. Transit service expansions are also identified, along with major maintenance needs. Read more about these projects through the link below.

Without action, residents can expect additional traffic congestion, more potholes and broken sidewalks, and less choice in how to get around. With positive action, Greensboro will continue to build a balanced, multimodal transportation system that enhances the quality of life for its residents.

View a summary of proposed projects.