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.

South Wilmington Street Lane Impact

A long-term lane closure will be in place in the 100 block of South Wilmington Street.

• Start: Wednesday, April 8 at 9:00 p.m.
• End: Friday, May 29 at 6:00 a.m.
• One travel lane will be closed during construction
• Traffic will remain open with a lane closure in effect

South Wilmington Street Traffic Impact

Sanitary sewer lining work will occur on South Wilmington Street between Morgan Street and Martin Street.

• Start: Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m. and Monday, May 11, through Friday, May 15, from 7 p.m.
• End: Friday, May 15 at 6 a.m.
• One travel lane will remain open during construction.
• Expect intermittent lane impacts and overnight traffic control changes. Use caution and find alternate routes when possible.

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.