Sure, those Inner / Outer Beltline markers make sense if you’re looking down at a Raleigh map – or perhaps flying high over the city in Sky 5.
From that vantage point, you get the picture: Inner Beltline runs clockwise around Raleigh, and Outer Beltline runs counter-clockwise. Many drivers like it this way.
But in the thick of traffic, a lot of us have a hard time knowing which way to turn. (Question: Will Inner take you toward Glenwood Ave. -- or toward New Bern Ave.? Answer: Where are you now?)
So after about 20 years of high-level hand-wringing, NCDOT has launched a project to get rid of those Innie and Outie signs. The work is part of a bigger job that also will widen I-40 in West Raleigh.
Is this a good idea? Let me know what you think of the new map, which will divide our inner loop between East / West I-40 (southern section) and East / West I-440 (the rest of it).
Please e-mail me or leave a message at 919-829-4527. Don't forget to include your name and your workday contact info.
Bruce Siceloff reports on traffic and transportation. A News & Observer reporter, editor and blogger since 1976, he took over the
Comments
Hello, I would frankly say
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 21:00 — SherrylStarHello, I would frankly say that the map needs to be more interactive and representative. It should be effective for new people in the town.. Thanks!
James C,
brattonsound Gun Cabinet
I think the inner and outer
Sat, 11/21/2009 - 04:20 — CandySunI think the inner and outer beltlines shown in the image is good, lol.. Why do they want to remove it? Sunglasses
So which way to turn is
Fri, 11/20/2009 - 22:10 — OcalaLawSo which way to turn is depend on the strategy and long term target. I wish the best for the team. This season will be much more exciting, I hope..
Ocala Divorce law
Lol.. The issues are quite
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 05:38 — ninaninaLol.. The issues are quite hotly discussed now. I don;t understand how they can start and make it the way it is now. Too odd! classified ads |job search|bathroom vanity
I-40 Innie & outie
Sat, 08/01/2009 - 16:59 — Ronnie301I was thrilled when I read of name changes for I-40. Until I read the rest! How about two DIFFERENT Names/Highway numbers for I-40? The only way I can keep from getting hung up on the beltway is to know where the exit streets will take me. I've wasted fuel and time numerous times while muttering words my kids should not hear. 540 is good; how about 640?
Don't cry for me, lol.. Let
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 06:35 — ConstructionDon't cry for me, lol.. Let this man celebrates his own life. Everyone makes decisions and hence they should be ready for the consequences. construction industry
I have an idea...
Sat, 08/01/2009 - 15:45 — sixnineGet rid of the dam dept. that keeps wasting money on stupid studies. We're in such financial straits, here would be one great place to start saving. Now make another dept. to study this idea! hmmmm.
The Yankees understood & liked it
Fri, 07/31/2009 - 19:29 — TomT2We have various relatives from the upper midwest who've been driving this-a-way to visit since the mid-70s. They come in from the west of Raleigh on I-40 and eventually need to end up east of Raleigh on US 70. After I-40 was completed and before the Inner and Outer signs went up, they almost always took a wrong turn somewhere before they got outside of the city limits.After the Inner and Outer signs went up, their only comment about getting around Raleigh, either coming to going, has been how easy it is to keep on the right road.Hopefully they'll be able to grasp this new East West scheme.
Inner/Outer Beltline
Fri, 07/31/2009 - 18:12 — deeceeI'm surprised DOT is just assuming, without asking anyone, whether "east" and "west" are less confusing that "inner" and "outer." Sure, the latter terms have caused their share of confusion over the years, but 100 percent of the people I have asked said they thought "east" and "west" would make it worse. See what people said here: http://bit.ly/HansL
I also posted contact info for those who want to complain
what WOULD help
Fri, 07/31/2009 - 16:38 — carbonLibmight be a small ICON visual to show clockwise or counter clockwise....
it's not perfect...
Fri, 07/31/2009 - 16:31 — carbonLibbut, if you don't have a mental image of the beltline AND where the exits are in relationship to each other, different signs aren't going to help...
They just changed this in Charlotte
Fri, 07/31/2009 - 15:37 — carolinaguy97A few days ago, I was travelling on the I-485 around the northwest side of Charlotte. I noticed the NCDOT had changed the I-485 signs from the directional "north" or "south" to "inner" and "outer."
Why is NCDOT putting these signs up in Charlotte when they are taking them down in Raleigh, saying they are confusing?
"Call it what you want, just
Fri, 07/31/2009 - 15:35 — crshkt"Call it what you want, just don't call it late for lunch." The question about which to take to get to a given point won't be solved by the change of name, it's far more basic than that. That the two highways describe a rough loop around the city only make it more complex.