The latest phase of a steam tunnel replacement project on the UNC campus will force the closure of a lane at the intersection of South Columbia Street and South Road beginning Wednesday, July 8. The closure is expected to last through Monday, Aug. 10.

Northbound traffic on South Columbia Street will not be allowed to turn right onto South Road at the intersection. Traffic which would normally make the right turn will be detoured via South Columbia Street toward Cameron Avenue, where it will turn left, turn left again on Pittsboro Street and finally turn left onto McCauley Street, which will take traffic straight onto South Road.

Construction will force the closure of the right turn lane from South Columbia Street onto South Road. This map shows the marked detour motorists will take during the closure. (Image via UNC)

Motorists should allow for additional travel time when navigating this area of campus. UNC is also asking pedestrians to follow all designated detours and to remain aware of changes in traffic patterns in these areas.

The ongoing steam tunnel work on campus has necessitated numerous detours during 2026. In April, crews altered the same intersection of South Columbia Street and South Road for a week. In May, a stretch of sidewalk along South Columbia was closed to accommodate the project.

Currently, a portion of Country Club Road on the UNC campus is closed as crews work to repair a stormwater pipe. The closure is expected to last until at least Monday, Aug. 10, the same day the lane closure at the South Columbia Street/South Road intersection is set to end.

 

Featured image via Chapel Hill Media Group/Dakota Moyer

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