Construction is underway in downtown Raleigh to replace and upgrade aging water and sewer lines. This work is happening ahead of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) construction in the area to avoid digging up the streets again later. Crews will replace or rehab nearly 2 miles of underground pipes across six downtown streets. Work is expected to finish 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 know temporary lane closures and parking restrictions are not ideal for those who live, work, and play downtown. But replacing aging infrastructure now helps prevent emergency pipe breaks later, which would be a much bigger disruption. 

Upcoming Nighttime Street Closure – E Martin Street

The City of Raleigh will be making important improvements to E Martin Street as part of a planned capital improvement project.

What to expect:

• Location: 100 block of E Martin Street (between S Wilmington Street and S Blount Street)
• Dates: Sunday, January 4 through Friday, January 9, 2026
• Time: Nightly from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM

During these overnight hours, this section of E Martin Street will be closed to general traffic.
Bus traffic only will be permitted to access E Martin Street for entry to and exit from the bus station.

Detour Information

For eastbound traffic on E Martin Street:

• Turn left onto S Wilmington Street
• Turn right onto E Hargett Street
• Turn right onto Blount Street
• Turn left back onto E Martin Street

For westbound traffic on E Martin Street:

• Turn left onto Blount Street
• Turn right onto W Davie Street
• Turn right onto S Wilmington Street
• Turn left back onto E Martin Street

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to improve our city’s streets! If you travel through downtown during these hours, please allow a little extra time and follow posted detour signs. 

Completed Streets

Morgan Street
E. Edenton Street
 

Current Impacts

None

To Be Completed
 

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.