Durham breaks ground on transportation center renovations

Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Durham breaks ground on transportation center renovations
The $26 million project will add more bus bays and improve the safety of the pick-up and drop-off area.

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Bull City is breaking ground on the Durham Station Transportation Center renovations.

The $26 million project will add more bus bays and improve the safety of the pick-up and drop-off area. Durham said it will also enhance rider experience by expanding canopies and adding more seating and bathrooms.

On any given Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, you can find army veteran Gregory Poole on the corner of Pettigrew Street within steps of the Durham bus station.

"We sell hotdogs and sausage dogs. I've been here for about six years," said Poole. "It's good. The buses come in all the time and people from the city come down and buy hot dogs from us."

He needs foot traffic to continue selling hot dogs there. With the news of the Durham station rehabilitation project underway, he's hopeful this could drive more customers to him.

Mayor Pro Tem Mark-Anthony Middleton walked Eyewitness News through the vision. According to him, Bull City has one of the highest ridership in the state.

Construction renovations will begin at the end of the month and are expected to finish in December 2026.

"This is part of Durham's vision is to become a city that's negotiable and navigable without a car. In order to be a great metropolis, at some point you've got to cross the threshold where people can get to cultural facilities and educational facilities without a car," he said.

Mayor Leo Williams paid homage to the Durham great who was behind designing the current bus station.

"I'd also be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the history of the building we're in right now. This building was designed by Durham's own iconic architect Phil Freelon," said Williams.

In the meantime, bus riders like Aamari McNeil look forward to this improvement project.

"It makes it easier for everybody that rides the bus and have to wait for another bus that's late or hasn't come yet," said McNeil.

The transportation center will remain open during construction.

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