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Council hears community-led vision for Durham Freeway: boulevard, caps or modernization under study
Summary
A city study proposing three alternatives for NC-147 through central Durham'conversion to an at-grade boulevard, construction of land-bridge caps, or modernization of the freeway'was presented to council; the city said community engagement favored the boulevard and caps and next steps include technical study and partner coordination.
City transportation staff presented a community-led vision study for the Durham Freeway (NC-147), outlining three corridor concepts — conversion to an at-grade urban boulevard, selective "caps" or land bridges, and a modernization that tightens the freeway footprint while retaining limited-access function.
Assistant Transportation Director Evian Patterson said the study, branded "Pathways to Connection," began with outreach that emphasized the historical harms caused when the freeway cut through predominantly Black neighborhoods including Hayti, removing homes and businesses. "This study is rooted on a foundation" of prior plans and community input, Patterson said, listing Move Durham (2020) and Durham's 2023 comprehensive plan as framing documents.
Transportation Planning Manager Aaron Convery described the three corridor options and their tradeoffs. The boulevard conversion would remove limited-access lanes through the downtown segment and create sidewalks, transit access, slower vehicle…
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