The new tunnel that connects the Trinity Road student tailgate lots to Carter-Finley Stadium, according to NC Department of Transportation officials, has made it safer for pedestrians to cross the road during football games and other events.

This $4.3 million state-funded project initially began construction in March 2018 and will not be fully completed until March 2019. However, the tunnel opened for pedestrian use during September of this year.

Chad Hinnant, the resident engineer, and Sean Williams, the public relations officer, discussed the purpose and results of the tunnel.

“The project was set up as a safety project by the department to provide a safe crossing via the use of the tunnel during times when it was not controlled by the police or state troopers.” Hinnant said. “That is what the tunnel is used for.”

Williams emphasized that although the tunnel is used mainly by those affiliated with NC State, the project was proposed and funded by the state government.

“The State Transportation [Improvement] Program is where projects are scored based on need, availability of funding and others factors to figure out which project will be funded and sent forth,” Williams said.

Both Hinnant and Williams described the positive outcomes associated with the tunnel. 

“We have gotten great feedback so far,” Williams said. “It provides a safe route for folks who are in those parking lots to the side of the athletic complex, to be able to get from whatever they are doing before the game, safely over to the field, and cross the street without having to go over the road and potentially cuss at cars as they are crossing. Now they have a safe route.”

Hinnant mentioned that the feedback they have received from the tunnel was from the use during football games and the NC State Fair.

“So far, I have heard no complaints out of it,” Hinnant said, “There have been three home football games and the NC State Fair where the tunnel has been used.” 

According to Williams, this tunnel is convenient for pedestrians as well as vehicles. He said that traffic flows freely, without vehicles worrying about stopping for those pedestrians who are crossing the street.

“We are seeing that folks are able to drive on Trinity Road, especially during games times, the fair or other events at the PNC Arena,” Williams said. “They are still able to cut through that road without having to expect a stop by folks crossing the road.”