Our Town: Trail Closed, Storm Recovery and Resources

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July 17, 2025

Update on Damaged Trails

Several of our beloved trails will remain closed because they are not safe for use. In some places, what's under the paved portions has been washed away, and there are dangerous conditions. We need everyone to stay off the trails and be patient while we make them safe for all.

• Bolin Creek Trail has extensive damage, and is closed between Umstead Drive and the Community Center. Some of the damaged areas will be closed for 12 - 18 months. 
• Morgan Creek Trail is closed between NC-86 and Merritt's Pasture for about 6 - 8 months.
• The Fordham Sidepath is closed between S. Estes Dr. and Cleland Dr., but we don't know how long. We expect this to go out to bid this fall, using bond funds already designated for the project.

Support for Local Employees Impacted by Storm

We're partnering with Capital Area Workforce Development to connect local employees affected by the storm to workforce experts who can support them in many ways, including connections to employment opportunities. There are two sessions for this free event on Monday, July 21. Stop by from 9:30 - 11 a.m. or 3 - 4:30 p.m.

Orange County residents who are facing a housing crisis as the result of Tropical Storm Chantal can call 919-245-2800, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to speak with a social worker about local support that may be available. Most resources require a financial eligibility determination, and documentation of damage will be needed.

Economic Recovery Center for Businesses

We’ve partnered with the Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro, Town of Carrboro, Orange County, Innovate Carolina, and others to compile and share helpful information for business owners and their employees. Find fundraising information, a re-opening guide, free workshops, and more. 

Resources for UNC Students, Faculty, Staff, and More

Carolina is committed to supporting their students, faculty, staff, and surrounding communities in disaster recovery and relief efforts.They've created a page of resources for students, faculty and staff, along with volunteer and donation opportunities to assist neighboring communities.

Public Housing Damage Assessments 

Our Public Housing residents whose units sustained damage vacated their units for their safety. We've arranged accommodations for them as contractors continue to assess damage and make repairs. We're working with many community partners to ensure that our residents have food, household essentials, access to replacement furniture, and more.

Solid Waste Updates

We're waiving fees until July 31 for bulky item and large yard trimming pile collection for areas impacted by flood waters.
If your roll cart washed away, email publicworks@townofchapelhill.org with your name, address, and contact information. Also let them know if this was your only roll cart.

Other Parks and Rec Amenities

Here's the latest on other spaces that sustained damage:

• Umstead playground and Community Center playground will open any day now after they get cleaned off. Keep an eye on their socials for updates.
• The sand volleyball courts on Umstead will be closed for a couple of months.
• The Strowd Rose Garden will be closed for a couple of months.

Support Local Recovery Efforts

The Tropical Storm Chantal Community Giving Fund is dedicated to supporting local recovery efforts across Orange County and the towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough. This fund is a collaborative effort between the county and the towns to ensure donated funds are prioritized for critical needs and equitably distributed across the county. 

How to Volunteer

We've received many questions about how people can volunteer their time and effort to help in recovery. The best way to do this is by registering and connecting with reputable groups like the Red Cross or NC VOAD. 

New for Week of July 20

Sidewalk on S. Elliott Rd. at Fordham Blvd.
Due to the current condition of the railing in this area, the sidewalk is closed.

Sidewalk on E. Franklin St. near Eastgate Crossing
Due to the current condition of the railing in this area, the sidewalk is closed.

Ephesus Church Rd. temporary lane closure with traffic shift
July 21, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd between Longview St. and Umstead Dr. fiber installation
July 21 - August 8, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The southbound lane and sidewalk will be closed. Follow posted detour.

243 Hillcrest Cir. tree work
July 21 - 25
The road will be closed while the Town's arborist removes two large trees. 

Ephesus Church Rd. from Fordham Blvd. to Legion Rd. road work
July 28 - August 1, 24 hrs
This segment of the road will be closed for restoration, milling & overlay, and thermoplastic pavement markings. Follow posted detours.

122 E. Franklin Street waterline work
July 23 - 26, 24/7
Sidewalk will be closed for the duration. Follow posted detour.

Ongoing

Umstead Dr. fiber installation
July 14 - 25, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Traffic will be maintained by flaggers.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and Critz Dr. crosswalk and sidewalk project
July 14 - Aug. 29, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Lane and sidewalk closures in both directions. This project will add a sidewalk to the east side of the road and a crosswalk with a pedestrian island.

207-209 Meadowmont Lane sidewalk and bike lane closure
Present to March 2026
Drivers should remain alert to bicyclists merging into the main travel lane.

S. Columbia St. Carrington Hall work
Present to December 2026
A pedestrian detour is in place along S. Columbia St. near Medical Dr. as crews work on Carrington Hall.

TBD

Pope Rd. near Ephesus Church Rd. NCDOT culvert repair Dates to be determined. For more information, email Jcmanuel-nelson@ncdot.gov

All road work depends on the weather. Schedules may change accordingly. Google Maps and Waze show the most up-to-date traffic conditions.