Roxboro and Mangum roads, a one-way system threading through downtown Durham and linking NC 147 to I-85 and North Durham, have long played a critical role in the city’s traffic network. But these roads, rooted in mid-20th-century urban planning, are on the verge of transformation.
As shown in a historic 1920s photo from the Durham County Library, Mangum Street once saw sparse traffic, with cars leisurely sharing space. Fast forward to 1959, and the landscape dramatically shifted. Urban renewal efforts reshaped city streets across America, prioritizing faster commutes to suburban areas and turning once-bustling downtown streets into corridors for swift traffic flow. It was a time when downtowns were shrinking, and Durham followed suit, converting Roxboro and Mangum Streets into one-way routes to streamline access and adapt to suburban expansion.
However, times have changed. Downtown Durham has flourished, evolving into a vibrant residential hub over the past 15 years. With the area’s growth, there’s a pressing need for safer, multi-directional traffic that better accommodates pedestrians and cyclists. The Department of Transportation is now examining the feasibility of converting these streets back to two-way traffic, citing concerns about speeding on one-way systems due to reduced driver friction.
The opening of the East End Connector in 2022 marked a pivotal shift, redirecting about 20% of the traffic that previously burdened Roxboro and Mangum. The lighter traffic loads make the proposed two-way conversion more viable, a recommendation emphasized by the Move Durham Transportation Study and backed by the City Council in 2020.
A traffic impact analysis was completed and submitted to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) in the fall of 2024, awaiting approval. The project also includes a demographic assessment, using the NC Equity & Transportation Disadvantage Screening Tool to ensure equitable outcomes. Funding for this comprehensive study comes from Durham’s Capital Improvements Program.
Bull City Citizen will keep you updated as this project progresses, tracking the impact on traffic, safety, and the community at large.
