UNC’s Office of Facilities Services announced an upcoming road closure as a part of the university’s on-going steam tunnel replacement project.

The closure will begin on Monday, April 27, at the intersection of South Columbia Street, South Road, and McCauley Street. It will end one week later, on May 4. 

Lane closures and pedestrian detours at the South Columbia Street and South Road intersection. (Image via UNC Facilities Services)

During that period, westbound traffic coming from South Road will need to use one lane. Drivers will still be able to access S. Columbia Street via a right turn and McCauley Street by heading straight.

Drivers coming from McCauley Street will still be able to make a left turn onto S. Columbia Street, but will not be able to proceed straight eastward onto South Road. To access South Road from McCauley Street, drivers will instead need to make a detour loop around to the other side, first taking S. Columbia, turning right onto E. Franklin Street, making a right on Raleigh Street, before turning right again onto South Road.

Eastbound traffic on McCauley Street will be detoured along South Columbia Street. (Image via UNC Facilities Services)

The university recommends that drivers factor extra time into their commute when accessing these parts of campus. It also asked pedestrians to remain mindful of traffic changes along their commute, and to follow posted detours. Pedestrian paths are marked by green arrows in the first figure.

UNC uses its steam tunnel network to provide heat across campus during the fall and winter. In December 2025, a section of S. Columbia was closed for steam tunnel maintenance. In May 2025, the university closed a section of sidewalk near Sitterson Hall in order to add a new tunnel to the network. In August 2024, UNC posted a design-build solicitation stating the university’s need to update its steam tunnel system and requesting that designers submit applications.

 

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