One lane of traffic on the east side of South Columbia Street and the adjacent sidewalk will be closed through March 2023 for steam tunnel repairs, according to an update the university shared on Tuesday. The lane and sidewalk were closed to traffic on Monday.

Access to Medical Drive, which intersects with South Columbia Street on the east side, will not be affected. During the second phase of the project, which is estimated to begin in November, motorists will enter Medical Drive from South Columbia Street using a temporary access road.

Pedestrians should follow all designated detours in the area and use the western side of South Columbia Street. The Medical Drive crosswalk will be closed throughout the project, but the Health Sciences Library and South Road crosswalks will remain open.

This map shows Phase 1 of the South Columbia Street project, with access to Medical Drive via its intersection with South Columbia Street. (Image via UNC)

In Phase Two of the project, a temporary access drive will be added to access Medical Drive from South Columbia Street. (Image via UNC)

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