Study Underway to Improve Safety and Access on Duke Street and Gregson Street/Vickers Avenue

Public open house set for September 23 at Walltown Recreation Center

Duke Street and Gregson Street/Vickers Avenue are some of Durham's busiest north-south roads but speeding and safety concerns make them difficult to use for people walking, biking, and riding the bus.

To address these challenges, the City of Durham and the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) are studying ways to slow traffic and improve access for everyone who travels the corridor.

Residents will have the chance to learn about possible improvements and share their input at a public open house on Tuesday, September 23, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Walltown Recreation Center, 1308 W. Club Blvd.

What You Need to Know

• The streets: Duke Street and Gregson Street/Vickers Avenue form a one-way pair connecting Interstate 85, N.C. 147, and University Drive.
• The study: Launched in 2025 to evaluate safety and multimodal improvements, with final recommendations going to NCDOT in 2026.
• The concerns: Speed studies show most drivers exceed the 35-mph limit by 7 to 9 mph, putting the corridor on Durham's High Injury Network - the 10% of streets where most serious crashes occur.
• The open house: Tuesday, September 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Walltown Recreation Center, 1308 W. Club Blvd.
• Next steps: Any changes to signs, signals, or pavement markings must meet NCDOT standards and receive state approval.

Duke Street and Gregson Street/Vickers Avenue were originally built in the early 1900s to connect neighborhoods such as Trinity Park and Old North Durham with the rest of the city. Today, they serve thousands of drivers each day as major north-south routes through Durham.

But safety is a growing concern. Speed studies show most drivers travel well above the 35-mph limit, and this corridor is part of Durham's High Injury Network - the 10% of streets where most of the city's serious crashes happen.

Improvements under study include safer crosswalks, new bike facilities, better access near bus stops, and traffic-calming measures to reduce speeding. These changes would benefit residents who walk, bike, or ride transit as well as those who drive.

At the September 23 open house, community members can:

• View current conditions and data.
• Learn about the study process.
• See possible design alternatives.
• Share their priorities directly with City staff.

The City's Transportation team is working closely with NCDOT on this project since both streets are owned and maintained by the state agency. Feedback gathered will help shape the recommendations sent to NCDOT in late 2026.

For more details, visit the Duke and Gregson Corridor Study project web page to see project contacts, history, funding sources, future road closures, and to sign up for the project's mailing list.

About the City of Durham Transportation Department

The Transportation Department manages traffic signs and signals, parking operations, street lighting, and transportation planning. The department also works to expand travel options and connectivity through public transit, bicycle, and pedestrian improvements, and long-range planning. Its goal is to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation choices for all who live, work, and visit Durham. Learn more on the department's web page and follow the department on Facebook and LinkedIn.