The proposed link, called the Duraleigh Connector, had been hotlydebated by those who wanted to reduce traffic congestion and those whowere afraid of irreparable harm to Schenck Forest and Umstead Park.
Technically, the decision on building the 2.6 mile road, which carriesa $51 million price tag, rests with the state Board of Transportation,which will meet in January. The board, with 21 of 23 members Huntappointees, routinely follows the governor's recommendations.
Among those who ultimately opposed the project were Wake Countyofficials, N.C. State University officials, city leaders and manyenvironmentalists. Many developers and state transportation officials hadsupported the concept.
Hunt also reviewed an environmental study conducted by the N.C. Dept.of Environment, Health and Natural Resources (DEHNR), which came up withan alternative site for such a connector.
That alternative, called the Edwards Mill extension, would run parallelto the proposed Duraleigh route, and provide a connection between CrabtreeValley Mall, which is on U.S.70, and Carter-Finley Stadium off Blue RidgeRoad, and give more direct access to I-40 from north Raleigh.
Hunt, who mulled the connector for months, also made a site visit. "I think he felt in a very visceral way the sanctity of the property,"said DEHNR Secretary Jonathan Howes. "That had an impact on him. It doesmake a difference to go out and see it."
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