Residents and businesses in Durham should expect a series of lane closures and traffic shifts in the American Tobacco District during March as part of ongoing waterline replacement work. The City of Durham has announced that construction activities will take place on Jackie Robinson Drive, Blackwell Street, and Mangum Street over several weekends and weekdays.
According to the city, Saturday work is scheduled for March 7, 14, and 21. Lane closures will occur on Jackie Robinson Drive between Blackwell Street and Mangum Street. Additional lane shifts and closures are planned for Mangum Street between Dillard Street and Jackie Robinson Drive, as well as on Blackwell Street between Pettigrew Street and Jackie Robinson Drive.
During these periods, traffic control signs and markings will be used to guide drivers through the affected areas. Southbound traffic on Blackwell Street will be detoured via Mangum Street, while northbound lanes will remain open. Access to businesses near the construction zones will be maintained throughout the project. On-street parking in impacted areas will be closed.
The city notes that noise levels may exceed current municipal noise ordinances during work hours, which are set from 7 AM to 7 PM each day of activity. Despite the construction, no disruptions to water or sewer services are anticipated.
Access to the Durham Freeway Westbound On-Ramp near the Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP) will continue to be available during construction. For more information about the project, residents can visit https://www.durhamnc.gov/2780/American-Tobacco-District-Waterline-Repl.
Project contacts include Wade Tong, Construction Team Manager for the City of Durham, and CJ Rizzo, Project Manager at Teraflex Group LLC.