Traffic

Downtown Detours Ahead for American Tobacco Motorists

Two weeks of 7 a.m.–7 p.m. lane shifts and detours around Blackwell, Jackie Robinson, Willard, Pettigrew, and Chapel Hill as ATC waterline work continues Nov. 10–21; no weekend work.

Wes Platt

Wes Platt

— 2 min read
Downtown Detours Ahead for American Tobacco Motorists

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Drivers headed through the American Tobacco District should expect multiple daytime lane closures and detours over the next two weeks as Durham’s Phase 2 waterline replacement pushes through Blackwell Street, Jackie Robinson Drive, Willard Street, Pettigrew Street, and Chapel Hill Street.

Work runs 7 a.m.–7 p.m. on weekdays; no weekend work is scheduled for Nov. 8–9 or Nov. 15–16, according to the city’s Nov. 7 update.

What’s Happening Nov. 10–14 and Nov. 17–21

  • Willard Street (Yancey → Blackwell): Southbound lane closed. Southbound traffic detours via Jackson → Vickers → Morehead.
  • Blackwell St / Jackie Robinson Dr intersection: Lane shifts with flaggers during the day to move crews through the intersection.
  • Northbound Blackwell (Morehead → Jackie Robinson): Closed and detoured via Morehead → Roxboro → Jackie Robinson.
  • Jackie Robinson Dr (Blackwell → Mangum): Lane shifts; westbound maintained. On-street parking closed in this stretch.
  • Pettigrew St (Chapel Hill → Blackwell): Eastbound lane closed. Eastbound detours via Ramseur → Corcoran/Blackwell. Access to the American Tobacco North Parking Deck remains open.
  • Chapel Hill St (Willard → Pettigrew): Lane shifts with two-way traffic maintained.

City offices note that no water or sewer service disruptions are expected, but construction noise above the normal ordinance is anticipated during work hours. Flaggers, signs, and pavement markings will direct traffic through the area.

Why This Work Is Happening

The lane changes support Phase 2 of the American Tobacco District Waterline Replacement, a multi-year effort to replace aging 1930s waterlines, add a new 36-inch transmission main, and rehab sewer in the district. The Phase 2 construction window runs from September 2025 through spring 2027.

Getting Around & Local Tips

  • Give yourself extra time if you’re heading to ATC, DPAC, Durham Bulls ballpark, or nearby offices, especially during the evening rush.
  • Watch for flaggers and changing traffic patterns near the Blackwell/Jackie Robinson intersection.
  • Mind the parking changes on Jackie Robinson Drive; use decks (including the ATC North Deck) where signed.
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