Public Works Department
Downtown Improvements
I hope you are enjoying a totally new experience downtown. You will be able to stroll along a beautiful tree-lined street or relax at a street side bench and enjoy the afternoon. It has taken some construction work to get us there. Thanks to all for their patience during this project.
As with any construction project there were delays and inconvenience. We did our best to be as considerate as possible to the downtown residents, businesses, customers and pedestrians.
The Downtown Project includes 235 new trees. View the types.
Available Graphics:
To view graphic, click on the picture then click the enlarge button.- Overall Plan
- Chapel Hill Street
- Corcoran
- Main Street
- Parrish Street
- Street Section
- Plaza Area Picture
- Five Points
Construction Photos - Before and In Progress
Downtown Improvement Overall Plan
Background:
The Downtown Street Improvements Phase I consists of street improvements and streetscaping of Parrish Street, Corcoran Street, and the Plaza Area. The Downtown Street Improvements Phase II consists of converting Chapel Hill Street and Main Street in Downtown Durham to two-way traffic. These projects, as outlined in the Downtown Durham Master Plan, will make Downtown more pedestrian, bicycle, and overall transportation friendly. In addition, the conversion of Main Street to two-way traffic will allow Main Street to serve as the spine to which other Downtown districts are linked. The streets will be reconstructed using a combination of standard paving and decorative pavements. Sidewalks will be reconstructed and landscaping incorporated into the design. New lighting for vehicles on the streets and for pedestrians on the sidewalks is included. A plaza area that can be used for events is to be located between Parrish Street, Chapel Hill Street, and Corcoran Street. The construction will take two years.