Durham plans major safety overhaul for Roxboro, Mangum streets

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- The city of Durham is moving forward with a long-awaited plan to make two of its busiest -- and most dangerous -- downtown roads safer.

Durham City Council has approved a contract amendment to convert Roxboro and Mangum streets from one-way traffic to two-way. The change has been pushed by residents for years, with many saying the current design encourages speeding and makes it harder to navigate the area safely.

The conversion will stretch from Markham Avenue in the north to Lakewood Avenue in the south, covering a significant portion of the city's central corridor.

City leaders say the goal is simple: slow drivers down and prevent crashes. The redesign is also aimed at improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists, who often share space along the busy routes.

Right now, design costs are estimated at about $1.6 million. Construction is expected to wrap up by January 2028.

Once complete, officials hope the changes will make the corridor easier to use and safer for everyone who travels through it.