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. 

Traffic Alert: Raleigh Water Performs Temporary Work on South Blount Street
Raleigh Water crews will have temporary lane closures on the first block of South Blount Street as part of a capital improvement project.

When: 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday, March 9 – Friday, March 13
Traffic: Follow posted signs; no detour. Lanes reopen daily at 4 p.m.

Note: Water service interruptions are not expected. Raleigh Water thanks the public for their patience as crews work quickly and safely to improve the shared water system.

Completed Streets

Morgan Street
E. Edenton Street 

Current Impacts

S Blount Street, E Jones Street, E Martin Street, New Bern Place, N Blount Street, Wilmington Street

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.