City of Raleigh proposes changes for Lake Wheeler Road including a new type of roundabout

The peanut-shaped traffic circle is just one of many improvements potentially coming to Lake Wheeler Road. As a Complete Street, this road will cater to all transportation types, from foot to bus.

A rendering of a peanut-shaped roundabout on Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh, NC.

You may see this peanut-shaped roundabout make its way to Lake Wheeler Road.

Rendering provided by City of Raleigh

The City of Raleigh is working toward its Complete Streets strategy, which will accommodate all modes of transportation to navigate streets safely with potential changes coming to Lake Wheeler Road up next.

Plans are being finalized for the $20 million Lake Wheeler Road Improvement Project, spanning from South Saunders Street to Maywood Avenue — think behind Dorothea Dix Park going toward the State Farmers Market — which might include:

  • A peanut-shaped roundabout to slow and smooth traffic
  • Sidewalks + shared paths
  • Bike-only facilities
  • Raised intersections along side streets to keep pedestrians safe
  • Transit improvements to improve connectivity
  • A raised median to help slow traffic + prevent unsafe left turns
  • Stormwater facilities to mitigate runoff

Construction is slated to begin in 2025 — plus, there are nine more Complete Street projects underway for busy roads like Avent Ferry Road, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and Lake Boone Trail.

More from RALtoday
In case you hadn’t noticed, Raleigh’s growing in a big way, and some mixed-use developments are set to transform downtown + Midtown in 2026 and beyond. Here’s what you need to know about three major developments.
If you’re looking for plans to bring in the new year, Raleigh is bustling with events. Explore each event and plan where you’ll bring in 2025.
Sponsored
Raleigh restaurants, cafes, and diners serving up all the eggs, pancakes, mimosas, and other brunch favorites you want to eat.
For the first time since 1990, you can back the Pack in the NCAA men’s soccer finals — and it’s all happening in Cary.
If you’re a fan of real trees over artificial, this list is for you. We’re highlighting 10 local spots to pick up Christmas trees in Raleigh, including home delivery options, pre-flocked trees, and NC-famous Fraser firs.
Our readers have spoken — here are the best local spots our city has to offer, from the best coffee shop to the best apartment complex to the best dentist.
Hi Raleighite. It’s that time of year again — Spotify Wrapped is out, and so is ours. Ready to see how our year stacked up?
A grassroots effort is helping central NC properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.