This is part 9 of a 10-part series in which we examine Raleigh’s most
embarrassing shortcoming to visitors: the abundance of dysfunctional street names. A city should try to be
easily understood instead remaining a labyrinth only understood by the
long-time natives.
New Hope Church Road/Buffalo Road/Hardimont Road – map it
New Hope Church Road extends from Hardimont Road (next to the Wendy’s on Wake Forest Road) to Capital Blvd where it becomes Buffalo Rd. Buffalo extends to Horton Road, just north of Knightdale. It is a major connector in the eastern section of Wake County. This artery, like many others mentioned in this series, is the result of realigning and connecting several minor streets.
Problem – Drivers on Wake Forest Road may not recognize this major East/West artery that extends from Knightdale to the North Hills area. Drivers in eastern Wake County don’t realize they can get to Wake Forest Rd in North Raleigh easily.
Solution – This thoroughfare will grow as eastern Wake County grows. Because Buffalo road is long and sure to be an important East/West route, the entire street should be renamed Buffalo Rd. Removing the New Hope Church Road name would reduce confusion with the existing New Hope Road (which should be renamed “Upchurch Parkway”).
