The City of Durham is moving forward with a project to construct a roundabout at the intersection of Morreene Road and American Drive, aiming to improve traffic safety and reduce vehicle speeds in the area. Roundabouts are known to significantly decrease crash rates by promoting slower operating speeds—25 mph or less—which helps minimize the severity of collisions and enhances pedestrian and cyclist safety.
This project will be built alongside the planned Morreene Road extension, which includes the addition of bicycle facilities to promote alternative transportation options. The extension and roundabout projects are being designed and managed by Durham’s Public Works Department in collaboration with Kimley-Horn & Associates, the design contractor.
Project Overview and Goals
The roundabout aims to address several key concerns, including:
•Enhancing safety by reducing high-speed traffic and creating a safer environment for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
•Improving traffic flow by eliminating traditional stop signs and signals that can contribute to congestion and delays.
•Encouraging multimodal transportation, supporting the City’s long-term vision of a more bike- and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
Project Timeline and Key Dates
The City has outlined the following schedule for the roundabout project:
•Project Start: October 2023
•Community Open House: May 23, 6:30 – 8 PM
• Location: WI Patterson Community Center, 2614 Crest St.
• Residents are encouraged to attend and provide feedback.
•Expected Design Completion: April 2026
•Construction Start: Summer 2027
•Completion: TBD
Project Funding
The estimated construction cost for the project stands at $2 million, which will be fully funded by the City of Durham through Street Impact Fees, ensuring no additional direct cost to taxpayers. These fees are collected from developers to fund transportation projects that accommodate new growth and improve infrastructure.
Community Involvement
Public participation is a key component of the project, with city officials urging residents to attend the upcoming open house and engage with the design team to share their thoughts and concerns. Feedback from previous projects has proven instrumental in shaping safer and more efficient roadway designs.
Stay informed on this and other key city developments by following the City of Durham on social media and subscribing to project updates.
Looking Ahead
As Durham continues to evolve, infrastructure improvements like the Morreene Road roundabout project reflect the City’s commitment to fostering a safer and more accessible community for all road users. Bull City Citizen will continue to provide comprehensive coverage and updates on the project as it progresses.
For more local news and updates, follow Bull City Citizen—your trusted source for Durham’s latest developments.
