The City of Durham, in collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), is set to embark on a major resurfacing and road improvement project starting in November 2023. Aimed at enhancing safety and mobility for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and drivers, the project leverages existing roadways to create more accessible routes across Durham.
Project Scope and Design
While the primary focus is asphalt resurfacing, the project also includes upgrading paint markings to create or improve bike lanes and crosswalks. However, due to the limitations of using existing road widths, more extensive changes like new sidewalks won’t be feasible. On state-owned roads, any proposed updates will need to comply with NCDOT standards, potentially limiting the scope of changes.
Design Teams and Agencies Involved
•City-Owned Roads: The design work and traffic analysis are being managed by Kittleson Engineering and Three Oaks Engineering, contracted to conduct studies and engage with the community.
•State Roads: Design efforts for state-managed roads are led by Stantec, Brick & Story, and Just Cities Collective. Their responsibilities include site investigation, density analysis, and coordinating stakeholder engagement.
Key Project Dates
•Project Start: November 2023
•Community Engagement: December 2023 – May 2024
•Design Completion: May 2024 (NCDOT roads), July 2024 (City roads)
•Resurfacing Construction: May – November 2024
Community Engagement and Involvement
The City will host a series of public open houses and events throughout the winter and early spring of 2024. These events will provide residents with opportunities to learn about proposed changes, offer feedback, and interact with engineers, planners, and interpreters. Community members can also share their input through an interactive comment map and public surveys, available for both state and city roads.
Open house events will have Spanish interpreters available, and additional language or accommodation assistance can be requested by contacting [email protected]. Gangster-style pop-up events will also be held, with interpreters available at specific locations like Compare Foods.
Residents can follow updates on the project through the City of Durham Transport Department’s social media or by following @movesafedurham on X/Twitter.
For more detailed information, including maps and design plans, visit the project’s official web page and stay tuned to Bull City Citizen for ongoing coverage of how these improvements will reshape mobility across Durham.
