The City of Durham announced on April 17 that several road and lane closures will take place in the coming weeks as part of the American Tobacco District Waterline Replacement Project. The city said these changes are necessary to accommodate ongoing construction, waterline installation, testing, and pavement restoration activities.
According to city officials, the planned work is expected to impact Blackwell Street, Mangum Street, Roxboro Street, Dillard Street, Pettigrew Street, and Jackie Robinson Drive at various times between April 18 and May 1. Work hours are scheduled from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with noise levels anticipated to exceed current city ordinances during those periods.
Weekend work is planned for Saturday, April 18 but will pause on the following two weekends due to race events in the area. During active construction days, traffic control signs and markings will be used throughout affected streets. Lane shifts and full or partial road closures are expected on 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 St and Roxboro St; Pettigrew St between Chapel Hill St and Blackwell St; as well as sections of Jackie Robinson Drive.
The city said access to businesses near work zones will be maintained throughout construction. On-street parking in certain areas will be closed temporarily. No disruptions to water or sewer service are anticipated except where coordinated connections are being made with affected customers along Blackwell Street.
Special detours will be established during daytime hours when Mangum or Dillard Streets require closure for waterline installation through key intersections such as Ramseur St., Fayetteville St., Morehead Ave., or others as indicated by signage. Pavement along some streets may remain rough until final asphalt is installed after milling operations.
No construction activities are scheduled for weekends coinciding with local events—specifically April 25-26 and May 2-3—as stated by project managers Wade Tong (City of Durham) and CJ Rizzo (Teraflex Group LLC). Further information about this project can be found at the city’s website: https://www.durhamnc.gov/2780/American-Tobacco-District-Waterline-Repl.
