More congestion coming to Triangle roads, with or without Apple
WRAL-TV, June 6, 2018
Traffic planners are bracing for another half million people in the Triangle and more than 100,000 new jobs in the next decade, even without Apple plunking a major campus down in the middle of the region.
"The business community will take this challenge any day," said Joe Milazzo, executive director of the Regional Transportation Alliance, which is preparing for that growth.
Apple is reportedly considering an investment of $1.5 billion to $2 billion in North Carolina, including a Triangle campus that would have between 3,000 and 10,000 jobs.
"Whether you have 5,000 jobs or 500 jobs, locally grown or coming into the market, the region is well situated for growth," Milazzo said.
Still, that growth could change the commuting mindset in the Triangle. According to census data, about four of every five workers in the region drive alone to their jobs, while 8 percent carpool and only 2 percent use public transportation.
Drivers understand growth comes at a price, but many said the lure of Apple is just too much to pass up.
"Traffic is going to get a little bit heavier, but it's worth it. I like Apple," said Kay Brewer of Raleigh.
"A boost to the economy is what we need, so I'm all for them coming here. You know, they can engineer and redesign the roadways to accommodate the extra traffic," said Patrick Catherwood of Durham.