Halloween night is expected to be busy in Orange County. Many local agencies and town government departments encourage county residents and visitors to stay safe when out and about.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has tips to keep both trick-or-treaters and bicyclists safe from drivers. For pedestrians, the DOT suggests enhancing your visibility by wearing something reflective, carrying a flashlight or walking in well-lit areas. It also warns of walking in the street, saying it’s always important to use the sidewalk and to walk facing traffic, if there is not one. For bicyclists, the DOT also recommends improving visibility, riding in the direction of traffic and always using a helmet.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office recommends similar strategies to trick-or-treaters and parents. It also asks parents to inspect their children’s treats once they get home, and to throw away anything that is unwrapped, discolored or has a strange odor.

For motorists, the sheriff’s office says be extra vigilant on the roads and in neighborhoods. It says children are twice as likely to be fatally struck by a vehicle on Halloween compared to any other day, so being alert while driving is important.

Sheriff Charles Blackwood said in a statement he wishes families a happy and safe Halloween.

“We will be out and about in all communities working to ensure your safety and the protection of property,” he said. “We will be watching out for you, so please watch out for each other.”

In Chapel Hill, the tradition of gathering on Franklin Street is set to continue. The town issued warnings ahead of Thursday reminding people what items will not be allowed within the barriers. Police will confiscate accessories like fake weapons and paint. Any real weapons, explosives, fireworks and animals are also prohibited.

In a video produced by the Town of Chapel Hill, Police Chief Chris Blue warned motorists about venturing towards Franklin Street, Columbia Street and other popular streets where costumed pedestrians gather.

“Vehicular access to downtown is going to be extremely limited, especially between 8 and 10:30 p.m.,” said Blue. “Lane and road closures will be in place to provide a protective barrier for the large crowd that’s expected downtown.”

The weather for All Hallows Eve is expected to also present some trouble for those out celebrating in Orange County. Forecasts predict a thunderstorm in the evening, so be prepared for rainy and windy conditions in addition to a spooky atmosphere.

Related Stories
‹
New Chapel Hill Stop Added to NCDOT Intercity Bus Service
The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s intercity bus service is adding a new stop in Chapel Hill. Buses will pick up passengers at the Eubanks Park and Ride Lot in Chapel Hill four times a day. The lot is located at 2000 Eubanks Road in the Carraway Village mixed-use development. The intercity service is operated […]
NCDOT: All-Way Stop Coming to Western Orange County Intersection
An intersection in the rural parts of Chapel Hill and Orange County is set to receive an all-way stop in the coming days, according to NCDOT.
Chapel Hill Given 'Huge Shock' by Potential Redesign of U.S. 15-501 Exchange
Last week, the Department of Transportation sent the Town of Chapel Hill a concept design to change U.S. 15-501 exchange with Interstate 40.
Chapel Hill Police Locate Pair of Teenagers After Day-Long Search
UPDATE: Chapel Hill Police said Sunday that Antonio and Alicia Panet-Raymond were each found safely around 5:10 p.m. https://twitter.com/ChapelHillPD/status/1665467302303739906 The Chapel Hill Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating two missing 15-year-olds. Antonio Panet-Raymond and Alicia Panet-Raymond of Chapel Hill were last seen around 4 p.m. in the area of 1800 Martin Luther […]
UPDATE: Missing Chapel Hill 16-Year-Old Safely Located
Chapel Hill Police reported that Colby Williams has been safely located. The Chapel Hill Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 16-year-old boy. Colby Williams of Chapel Hill was last seen around 4:20 p.m. in the area of the 1820 Legion Road Extension. Williams is five feet, 10 inches tall […]
NCDOT Announces I-40, Whitfield Road Projects in Orange County
The state Department of Transportation shared two projects that will require full road closures in Orange County in the coming days. NCDOT will conduct overnight closures on Interstate 40 West outside Hillsborough starting on Sunday, as bridge replacement over Old N.C. 86 begins. An alert from the department said the interstate will close both lanes […]
Culbreth Road Repaving, Addition of New Bike Lanes Underway in Chapel Hill
Motorists throughout August will notice repaving work being completed on Culbreth Road in Chapel Hill. A release from the North Carolina Department of Transportation on Friday said a resurfacing project on the road is now underway. Contracted crews began to mill and resurface parts of the street, with improvement of pavement markings also to be […]
Thanksgiving Holiday to Affect Local Government Services in Orange County (2025)
Thanksgiving will fall on Thursday, November 27 this year, and the holiday will affect several local government services around the Orange County community. Here’s a rundown of what residents can expect: Town of Chapel Hill Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 are both town holidays. Residential trash collection will not be affected. However, there […]
News Around Town: Halloween on Franklin Street in 2025
Read a conversation between Chapel Hill mayor Jess Anderson and 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey about Halloween on Franklin Street.
Interstate 40 Off Ramp in Orange County Closing for 3 Weeks
Contractors with the North Carolina Department of Transportation will be closing an off ramp along Interstate 40 in Orange County for at least three weeks. The Exit 261 off ramp from I-40 East onto Old North Carolina Highway 86 will close beginning at 10 p.m. the night of October 19 to allow for ramp construction. […]
›