Bicycle Loop Detectors

Installation of bicycle loop detectors at intersections in the downtown and at West Poplar/NC 54, to advance the traffic signals for bicyclists.

STATUS 

  • The contract was awarded to Garrett James Construction and Notice to Proceed issued in June 2025.
  • Pre-construction meeting was held on August 2025. Chapel Hill staff requested some modifications to the signal equipment specified in the approved plans, which required a contract change order and delayed the project start time.
  • Construction is largely completed.
  • The municipal agreement with NCDOT has been amended to reflect additional funding and updated project milestones.

Next Step(s) with anticipated schedule:

  • Install bike loop thermoplastic markings; temperature sensitive.
  • Administrative close-out.

NETWORK 

Installation of bike loop detectors at key locations downtown should work in concert with East Main Street bike lanes to begin to complete the bicycle infrastructure in the downtown.

  • The project is identified in the 2009 Carrboro Comprehensive Bicycle Transportation Plan & 2020 Bicycle Plan Update.

Related Projects/Plans:

  • Capacity analysis/possible road diet to add bike lanes to North Greensboro Street (NCDOT Resurfacing).
  • Modifications to the traffic signal timing in the downtown.

As noted in the 2020 Bicycle Plan Update report on October 18, 2022, work is underway to develop a restriping plan for North Greensboro Street. Part of the plan development involved conducting a capacity analysis to determine a possible lane reduction to provide space for bike lanes, a change that could affect the lane alignment at North Greensboro and Weaver and by extension the placement of bike loop detectors. The analysis, however, determined that a lane reduction was not feasible.

The possible conversion of East Weaver Street to a bike-ped only facility may involve shifting the locations of some bike loops to better accommodate changes in travel lane usage.

Bike Loop Detectors - Preliminary Locations