The City of Durham announced on April 24 that several streets will experience lane closures and detours as part of the ongoing American Tobacco District Waterline Replacement Project. The work is scheduled to take place from late April through early May, with specific dates and affected areas outlined by city officials.
The updates are important for residents, commuters, and businesses in the downtown area, as they may impact daily travel routes and access to certain locations. The city emphasized its appreciation for the public’s patience during this phase of infrastructure improvement.
Starting Wednesday, April 22, S. Mangum Street between Bill Bell Way and S. Dillard Street will be reduced to one lane between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., lasting approximately three weeks while contractors install new waterlines across the street. The open lane may vary depending on construction progress each day.
During the week of April 27, road and lane closures or shifts are planned for Blackwell Street (between Pettigrew Street and Jackie Robinson Drive), Mangum Street (between Dillard Street and Jackie Robinson Drive), Roxboro Street (between Dillard Street and Jackie Robinson Drive), Dillard Street (between Mangum Street and Roxboro Street), and Jackie Robinson Drive (between Mangum St. and Roxboro St.). Similar disruptions will continue into the week of May 4 at these locations.
No construction work is planned during weekends when events are scheduled in the project area—specifically on April 25-26 or May 2-3. During active workdays from Monday through Friday, typical hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with noise levels expected to exceed current city ordinances during those times.
Access to local businesses near construction zones will be maintained throughout the process, though on-street parking may be closed in some areas. Detours will redirect traffic around closed sections; for example, eastbound traffic on Dillard will use alternate routes via Mangum St., Morehead Ave., or Roxboro St., while daytime closures on parts of Mangum St. between Ramseur St. and Jackie Robinson Dr. will reroute vehicles accordingly.
Water service connections with affected customers are being coordinated by city staff, but no major water or sewer service disruptions are anticipated at this time according to officials’ statements in their update.
