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Hello, neighbors! Read on for news about the Estes Dr. Ext. Project preferred alternative, our Lunar New Year celebration this weekend, and listen to our town manager tell his story on WCHL. |
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Measles Exposure at an Orange County Location
The Orange County Health Department identified an individual with measles who visited the Goodwill in Chapel Hill on Friday, February 6, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. If you think may have been exposed during this timeframe and have never been vaccinated against measles (MMR vaccine), please call 919-245-2400 and ask to speak to a communicable disease nurse to assess your measles risk.
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Update: Community Center Park Contaminated Soil
Next week, we’re expanding a fenced area near the entrance to Community Center Park. The fence is there to keep people away from soil with elevated levels of lead, cadmium, and petroleum compounds. Based on recent testing - and out of an abundance of caution - we’re adding about 50 feet to the northern and eastern sides of the existing fence.
A 2024 environmental assessment found that the site once had three fuel tanks and some trash heaps. After that initial discovery, we requested additional testing, reviewed the results, and immediately installed the original fence. The original assessment included the rest of the park, where no elevated concentrations of these contaminants were found.
Since 2024, we've continued to test the area inside and outside the fence regularly, and we'll keep doing so moving forward.
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Update: Estes Dr. Extension Project
We recently got notice from NCDOT that the original preferred alternative for the Estes Extension project would be delayed until 2031 with significantly decreased funding. In response to this information, Town staff and our consultant have reworked the preferred alternative, which will still meet the safety and accessibility desired by the public and will have a lower cost. The new roadway design will include:
- A raised 2-way cycle track and a 6’ sidewalk on the east side of the road from the railroad tracks to Seawell School Road
- Separated bike lanes on both sides and a 6’ sidewalk on the east side from Seawell School Road to MLK
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Long-Standing Fire Employee Honored
ServPro honored Deputy Fire Marshal Rob Pruitt at the UNC v. Syracuse Men's Basketball game for his 30 years of service with Chapel Hill Fire Department. Congratulations, Rob, and thank you for your service!
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Crews Get Big Thanks for Winter Storm Prep and Response
Our community partner, Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA), sent a word of thanks to our crews who brined and plowed the OWASA facilities during the recent winter storms. Executive Director Todd Taylor said that Greg Ling's team in Public Works "helped OWASA keep their services running for the community," and they "feel better faring the rest of the season knowing that they have community partners like the Town of Chapel Hill."
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Lunar New Year Celebration
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the library on Sunday, Feb. 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy cultural demonstrations and hands-on workshops exploring Sino traditions, including a Lion Dance performance and workshop, a Kung Fu tea demonstration, calligraphy, and more! Bring your favorite Lunar New Year dish and/or a meaningful object that holds New Year memories.
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Rescheduled: Park Volunteer Day
The Community Center Park Volunteer Day originally scheduled for Feb. 7 is rescheduled to Sunday, Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet near the Rose Garden on the Bolin Creek Trail to remove bamboo and prepare the site for native plantings.
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Bolin Creek Greenway Extension Project Update
Because we're receiving federal funding for the Bolin Creek Greenway Extension project, we must notify the public and allow public comment on whether the impacts of the greenway construction (possible temporary closure of the existing Tanyard Branch Trail) are correctly determined to be 'de minimis,' or minor. Public comment will be open Feb. 6 - 21.
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Sign Up for Peoples Academy/Escuela Cívica
Learn how your local government works on March 3:
- How we make decisions
- What services we provide
- How you can participate
Aprenda cómo funciona su gobierno local el 3 de marzo:
- Qué servicios ofrecemos
- Cómo tomamos las decisiones
Cómo puede participar
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Comment on 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Draft Plan
The Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization (Triangle West TPO) is releasing the Destination 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan Draft Report (Draft MTP Report) and the Transportation Air Quality Conformity Determination Report (AQ Conformity Report). Residents of the Triangle can provide comments on both reports to help shape the future of transportation in the Triangle by February 23, 2026. Read the documents and provide public comments by visiting www.destination2055nc.com. In-person public comments are welcome at the Triangle West Board meeting on January 27, 2026 at 9am at 4307 Emperor Blvd, Suite 110, Durham, NC 27705.
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Council met for a work session on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at the library.
They received the FY 2025 Audit Results and an FY 2026 Financial Update; an update on the Rewriting Our Rules - LUMO Update project; and a report on Town Manager evaluation practices.
Read the agenda.
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Application Open for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding
We recently released up to $375,000 in federal funding to support local affordable housing and community development projects. Applications are due at 12 noon on Monday, March 2.
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Artist Call: Art + Transit Bus Shelters
We’re searching for Triangle-based artists to create original 2-D designs for local bus shelters, adding to our collection of 45+ artistic shelters around Chapel Hill and Carrboro. We'll print final designs on adhesive vinyl and install them on bus shelter glass. Open to artists and teams ages 18+ within 40 miles of Chapel Hill. Finalists get $100, and selected artist will receive $500-$600 based on shelter size.
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Meet the Manager on WCHL
Our town manager, Ted Voorhees, sat down with WCHL as part of our Our Town radio series. On this episode, Ted reflects on his first six months serving as town manager; and tells the story of why he chose to come to Chapel Hill.
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Criminal Justice Debt Program Advisory Committee
Monday, Feb. 16 at 11 a.m., virtual |
Planning Commission
Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m., virtual |
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New for this Week
Millhouse Rd. closure for NCDOT I-40 widening project
Feb. 22 - March 15, 24/7
Road will be closed for approximately three weeks. After those three weeks, the road will open one lane with flaggers or portable signals.
Follow any posted detour signs during the full closure
331 Erwin Rd. sidewalk, curb, and storm-drainage work
Feb. 19 - 27, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
One lane will be closed.
119 Bennett Way sidewalk closure
Feb. 16, 2026 - Dec. 31, 2027, 24/7
The sidewalk will be closed to accommodate protective fencing around the property to secure the site during land-clearing activities and underground utility installation.
Ongoing
W. Rosemary St. road closure
OWASA is replacing an aging water main along W. Rosemary St., which will require significant road closures and detours.
- For the most up-to-date traffic impacts and project happenings, visit owasa.org/rosemary.
- On Feb. 16, W. Rosemary St. is scheduled to close to traffic from E. Main St. to Church St. for about three months.
- The road will be closed between N. Roberson St. and N. Merritt Mill Rd.
Long-term lane closure: S. Columbia St. UNC steam tunnel replacement Dec. 2025 to Dec. 2027
One lane will be closed between South Rd./McCauley St. and Cameron Ave.
207-209 Meadowmont Ln. sidewalk and bike lane closure
Present to March 2026
Drivers should remain alert to bicyclists merging into the main travel lane.
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 conditions.
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