News Release

Pittsboro Street reopens following
extensive emergency utility repairs

CHAPEL HILL – Pittsboro Street between Cameron and McCauley streets next to the Carolina Inn on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus, closed in mid-February for emergency utility repairs, reopened to general and emergency traffic today (May 6).

The road reopened midday to emergency and general use. Work on the sidewalks and surrounding areas will continue through mid-week and portions of the sidewalks will remain closed until that time. Chapel Hill Transit and Triangle Transit Authority will resume regular bus service on Pittsboro Street Thursday (May 11).

The weekend reopening allowed for the resynchronization of traffic signals and the removal of all detour signs, cones and barricades used to guide drivers and pedestrians during the road closure.

On the afternoon of Feb. 15, engineers checking a utility tunnel that runs under the roadway noticed some damage to the tunnel’s roof. Vibration caused by heavy vehicle traffic directly above the tunnel could exacerbate the damage.

Town and university officials determined that immediate closure was the best and safest course. Thru traffic on Pittsboro Street between Cameron and McCauley avenues had been rerouted since.

To protect the tunnel from further damage, a concrete “bridge” was built over the tunnel. The bridge has a gradual approach to allow vehicles to drive over the tunnel safely and at normal speed.

The road closure has proven a significant inconvenience for local neighbors, campus visitors, bus riders and patrons of the Carolina Inn, among others. Safety was the top priority of university officials who thanked town and university staff for their assistance and the local and campus communities for their patience.

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News Services contact: Lisa Katz, (919) 962-2093 (office), (919) 638-0474 (cell) or lisa_katz@unc.edu