Big changes are coming to downtown Raleigh! Crews are busy replacing and upgrading old water and sewer lines before the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system arrives. By doing this work now, they can avoid tearing up the streets twice. Nearly two miles of pipes will be replaced or repaired across six downtown streets. The project is expected to wrap up by Summer 2026.

Benefits

• Replaces aging water and sewer lines
• Prepares streets for future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects
• Supports growth and reliability for years to come

Traffic Impacts

We understand that temporary lane closures and parking restrictions can be inconvenient for those who live, work, or visit downtown. However, addressing these aging water and sewer lines now helps prevent emergency pipe failures in the future, which would result in far greater disruptions.

• Water service interruptions are not expected.
• Raleigh Water thanks the public for their patience during construction.
• Motorists should expect delays and consider alternate routes where possible.

Plan ahead if traveling through downtown Raleigh. City of Raleigh crews will complete work as part of a Capital Improvement Project, resulting in several road closures, detours and possible delays.

Sunday, Aug. 2, 9 p.m. to Monday, Aug. 3, 6 a.m.

• McDowell Street will be closed between David Street and W. Hargett Street. Westbound traffic will be detoured to Martin Street, then north on Wilmington Street.
• Blount Street will be closed between E. Jones Street and E. Morgan Street. Eastbound traffic will be detoured to E. Jones Street, then south on Bloodworth Street.

Monday, Aug. 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Hargett Street will be closed between Fayetteville Street and S. Wilmington Street. Traffic will be detoured to Morgan Street.

Construction crews will be working in the roadway during each closure. Drivers should expect possible delays, slow down, follow posted detours and use caution when traveling through work zones.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation while crews complete this important infrastructure work.

Completed Streets

Morgan Street
E. Edenton Street
New Bern Place
E. Jones Street

2026 Work Schedule

All street impacts and work schedules are subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen events.

Phase 3A is one part of a larger, multi-phase project to upgrade water and sewer infrastructure across Raleigh. Future phases will continue improvements in other parts of the city.