A busy - and dangerous - street in Durham is getting major upgrades.
The Bull City just received a $12 million dollar federal grant to improve sidewalks, crosswalks, bus stops and more.
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WRAL's Monica Casey joined transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg for a tour of that corridor.
According to North Carolina Department of Transportation, Holloway Street has a fatal crash rate six times higher than the national average for similar roads. There's a 3-mile stretch of road on the east side of downtown that will benefit from upgrades.
Pedestrian safety, especially around bus stops and high traffic areas, is a huge part of the improvements. They'll also focus on installing new lighting and providing better signage. Thirty-three intersections over the 3-miles will get new ADA curb ramps, crosswalks, sidewalks, and upgrades to bus facilities. The goal is to help riders feel more comfortable and secure at the bus stop.
Between 2017 and 2021, there were 46 pedestrian crashes in this stretch of Holloway Street. Three people died, and four pedestrians had serious injuries.
Local business owners explain the need for improvements
Cox Barbershop sits in the middle of the dangerous stretch.
Current owner Derick Segers' great uncle Diamond Cox opened the shop in 1947.
Many of his customers ride the bus - they'll benefit from new benches and shelters at the nearby stop.
"When it's hot, you need shade when you're waiting on the bus," he said. "I think everything like that is gonna help to beautify, going to help to make it comfortable for those who are getting on the bus."
Segers says sidewalks are also important for that area.
"Some people may have wheelchairs or walkers, and if the sidewalks aren't done, then they can't really get to where they need to get to," he said
Construction will start in 2026, with the goal of everything being finished by 2027.