The City of Durham is set to reopen Oak Grove Parkway, stretching from Wake Forest Highway (NC 98) to Stallings Road, covering approximately 1.18 miles. This project, spearheaded by the City’s Public Works and Transport departments, aims to enhance mobility and connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and drivers alike.
Project Overview
The upcoming resurfacing of Oak Grove Parkway will not only improve current road conditions but also allow for modifications to existing pavement markings and the installation of traffic calming devices. While the project will enable improvements such as painted bike lanes and crosswalks, it will not include structural changes outside the existing road width, such as new sidewalks.
Design plans will reflect community input and current conditions to ensure they meet the needs of all road users.
Funding and Timeline
The planning and design of the Oak Grove Parkway resurfacing project are funded through the City’s Capital Improvement Plan. Key dates for the project include:
•Project Start: March – May 26, 2024 (design phase)
•Anticipated Design Completion: July 2024
•Construction Timeline: Construction is scheduled to take place from May to November, in line with the City of Durham’s construction season.
Project Schedule Status
A design team, including Kittleson & Associates and Three Oaks Engineering, has been contracted to conduct site investigations, traffic analyses, and develop design plans. City workers initiated preliminary work in January, gathering information and assisting with public engagement activities. Public open houses were held in Winter 2024 to discuss proposed changes and gather feedback from residents.
Community Engagement
Community involvement has been a key aspect of the project. Since March, City staff have hosted public open houses and panel events focused on the pavement marking changes for Oak Grove Parkway. These events have allowed programmers and developers to explain the work, gather feedback, and address questions from the public.
Metrics from these engagements include:
•Comments Received: 177
•Online Map Comments: 125
Next Steps
Completed plans for Oak Grove Parkway will be submitted to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for construction approval. Residents can download the finalized plans and read the Oak Grove Reunion Summary to stay informed about the project.
For ongoing updates, keep an eye on Bull City Citizen as we track the progress of this important infrastructure project aimed at improving road safety and connectivity in Durham.
