Residents and businesses in Durham should expect a series of lane closures and traffic changes as the city continues waterline replacement work in the American Tobacco District. The City of Durham has announced that from early March through mid-March 2026, construction will affect Jackie Robinson Drive, Blackwell Street, and Mangum Street.
According to the city, lane closures on Jackie Robinson Drive between Blackwell Street and Mangum Street are scheduled for the weeks of March 2, March 9, and during weekends. Lane shifts and closures will also occur on Mangum Street between Dillard Street and Jackie Robinson Drive, as well as on Blackwell Street between Pettigrew Street and Jackie Robinson Drive.
On weekends—specifically February 28 to March 1, March 7-8, and March 14-15—work will take place in all three streets mentioned above. Traffic control signs and markings will guide drivers through the affected areas. On-street parking near construction zones will be closed throughout these periods.
The city states that “Access to the Durham Freeway Westbound On-Ramp near the DBAP will be maintained.” Additionally, “Access to businesses near the work area will be maintained,” with southbound traffic on Blackwell Street detoured via Mangum Street while northbound lanes remain open.
Noise levels are expected to exceed current city noise ordinances during working hours from 7 AM to 7 PM. However, no disruptions to water or sewer service are anticipated during this period.
Further details about the project can be found at https://www.durhamnc.gov/2780/American-Tobacco-District-Waterline-Repl.
For questions or concerns regarding construction activities, residents can contact Wade Tong, Construction Team Manager at the City of Durham, or CJ Rizzo, Project Manager at Teraflex Group LLC.
