Neighborhood Update: Stream Restoration and Construction Around Grant Street
As construction continues around Grant Street, we want to recognize the neighbors whose leadership helped make these improvements possible.
The Grant Street Ladies’ leadership and persistence directly led to significant city investment in restoring this part of our neighborhood—including $400,000 dedicated to stream enhancement. The full construction contract, awarded to Moffat Pipe, totals approximately $11 million and includes water, sewer, and stormwater improvements.
This work reflects years of neighbors speaking up, identifying concerns, and advocating for the care our community deserves. We’re grateful for their continued leadership—and for everyone navigating the disruption while these improvements move forward.
What to expect October 5–10
According to the City’s construction update:
Near Grant Park North: Stream enhancement and sanitary sewer installation will continue between Lincoln and Colfax streets. Park access will remain open.
Behind Grant Street homes: Sanitary sewer installation will take place in the easement between Linwood Avenue and Massey Street.
Massey Avenue: Sewer installation will continue between Lincoln and Grant streets, with a road closure and traffic signs in place.
Lincoln, Simmons, and Colfax streets: Waterline installation and testing will continue north of Linwood Avenue. Expect road and lane closures, with detours to maintain access to homes and businesses. Water service installations will be coordinated with individual customers.
Spaulding Street: Waterline and sewer installation will continue north of Linwood Avenue. Flaggers will help maintain traffic in both directions.
Near Lincoln Street, between Linwood and Simmons: Stormwater pipe installation will continue.
Saturday work will continue over the coming weeks, including waterline, stormwater, and sewer installation in these areas.
Please allow extra travel time, follow posted detours, and use care around active work areas. The City has expressed its appreciation for residents’ ongoing patience.
Questions or concerns?
Contact Jeremy Farlow, Construction Team Manager with the City of Durham, at Jeremy.Farlow@durhamnc.gov, or Jason Knight, Project Manager with Moffat Pipe, at jknight@moffatpipe.com.
For additional information, visit the City’s East Durham Waterline Replacement project page.
Our neighbors’ voices matter. These improvements are a reminder of what persistent, community-led advocacy can accomplish.
Work is also moving forward on the monument project at Grant Street Park North, which will honor three individuals from the neighborhood. Christopher Frazier with the City of Durham’s Historical Monuments Project is coordinating this effort with the community. At our April 25 meeting, we were still awaiting confirmation of the plaque installation timeline. Since then, we’ve captured photos of crews laying the foundations where the monuments will stand—an encouraging sign of progress toward honoring our neighbors and preserving their stories.
