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 on Hargett Street or Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. Road closures may cause delays.

Monday, Aug. 24, 7 a.m. to Thursday, Aug. 27, 5 p.m.

Hargett Street will be closed between Fayetteville Street and S. Wilmington Street. One northbound lane on Fayetteville Street will also be closed between E. Martin Street and E. Morgan Street.

Drivers should follow detour signs, use alternate routes when possible and slow down near the work zone.

Plan ahead if traveling on Person Street in downtown Raleigh. A temporary road closure may cause minor traffic impacts and delays.

Thursday, Aug. 27
Person Street: 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Person Street will be closed between E. Davie Street and E. Martin Street.

A detour route will be in place, with traffic detoured to E. Davie Street.

Construction crews will be working in the roadway. Drivers should follow posted detours, slow down and use extra caution when approaching the work zone.

Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible and exercise caution for the safety of construction crews and fellow travelers.

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.