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Hello, neighbors! In this issue, we share news about OWASA work near a downtown intersection and a prescribed burn that might lead to smoky conditions. You'll also find more information about upcoming events like this weekend's Divergent Needs Resource Fair and Fun Day, Creek Week, and Coffee with a Cop. |
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Traffic Alerts for OWASA Work
March 16–20
A contractor for OWASA will perform work around the Columbia/Rosemary intersection next week. Expect brief lane closures and minor traffic shifts each day. If you travel through the area, plan for your trip to take a little longer.
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Prescribed Burn Could Lead to Smoky Conditions
You may smell smoke lingering in our area within the next several days. The N.C. Forest Service is planning a prescribed burn at Jordan Lake Educational State Forest, and wind may carry the smoke our way at times.
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Lights Out for Bird Migration
Spring migration starts mid-March and lasts through the end of May. Here are some easy ways you can help the birds make safe passage:
- Minimize outdoor lighting from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Turn off lights in your home and office when not in use
- Close blinds and drapes at night
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Divergent Needs Resource Fair and Fun Day
Join us March 14 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Nate Davis, Sr. Gymnasium to learn about 30+ agencies who provide case management and therapies for you and your loved ones with divergent needs. You'll learn about organizations in the area who provide support and services for school and learning development; speech, occupational, and physical therapy; and Down-Syndrome-, Autism-, and mental health-specific support.
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Celebrate Our Waterways
March 21 - 29 is Orange County's 5th annual Creek Week. Creek Week celebrates the streams, lakes, and rivers that connect our communities. It's a weeklong series of activities that includes a litter cleanup challenge, community science BioBlitz, invasive plant removal, and green infrastructure tours. There's an activity for everyone!
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Celebrate Trees and Art with Faces of the Forest
On March 21 from 1-3 p.m., join us at a kickoff event celebrating trees and art with a new ceramic art installation in Pritchard Park. Enjoy an artist talk, walks through the park, clay demos, and more. Get acquainted with our native trees while viewing Faces of the Forest, a collection of twelve ceramic faces and masks created by Chapel Hill’s own Levi Yakubu, a fifth-generation Nigerian potter.
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Coffee with a Cop on March 24
You're invited to join the Chapel Hill Police Department for Coffee with a Cop on Tuesday, March 24, at Dunkin' Donuts at 1509 E. Franklin St. from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Our Guardians of the Hill will be there for coffee and a chat!
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Serve on an Advisory Board
OWASA Board of Directors
Are you passionate about public service and interested in serving on a board that plays a vital role in overseeing water and sewer services for our community? Apply to serve on the OWASA Board of Directors by March 20.
Other Boards and Commissions
You can also make a difference by serving on one of our other boards or commissions that help shape Town policies and programs. Apply by March 31.
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Council will meet on Wednesday, March 18, for a work session at the library. They're expected to discuss:
- a FY 2026-27 Budget Development Update
- the Stormwater Master Plan as it relates to Green and Natural Infrastructure
The agenda will be published later today.
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Artist Call: Community Center Murals
We’re looking for a Triangle-based artist or team to create murals on two exterior walls at the entrance of the Community Center at 120 S. Estes Dr. The mural design is open to artistic interpretation, but the project should involve opportunities for community input or involvement. Finalists will receive $750. Selected artist will get a $24,000 stipend. Open to artists 18+, who live within 40 miles of Chapel Hill and have General Liability Insurance.
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Share Your Wares at Pride Promenade
We're looking for art vendors and nonprofits to participate in our 5th annual Chapel Hill Pride Promenade on Saturday, June 6. Kick off Pride Month by sharing your work and connecting with the Chapel Hill community. It's free to apply and participate.
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Artist Call: Artistic Bus W(RAP)
We’re lookin for Triangle-based artists who love music and can translate rhythm, lyricism, and flow into bold visual artwork for the exterior of a Chapel Hill Transit bus. Blurring the lines between music and visual design, this piece will connect to "Talk of the Town," a community mixtape in progress by Chapel Hill Poet Laureate Donovan Livingston. Open to artists 18+ who live within 40 miles of Chapel Hill. Finalist stipends are $400, and project stipend is $2,500.
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Criminal Justice Debt Program Advisory Committee
Monday, March 16, at 11 a.m., virtual |
Planning Commission
Tuesday, March 17, at 6 p.m., virtual |
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New for this Week
PSF 5K run
March 14, 8:30 a.m.
Part of Franklin St. and campus streets will be closed temporarily to accommodate runners.
Cameron Ave. South Building work
March 16 - 20, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Road will be closed from Hanes Lot to Old East Lot. Follow any posted detours.
Bluefield Rd. at Standish Dr. utility work
March 16 - 20, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Lane and sidewalk will be closed. Flaggers will maintain traffic.
Raleigh St. near Cobb Dr. and Lenoir Dr. utility work
March 16, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Lane will be closed. Flaggers will maintain traffic.
Ongoing
Rosemary St. road closure
OWASA is replacing an aging water main along W. Rosemary St., which will require significant road closures and detours.
Barbee Chapel Rd., Old State Hwy 54/Stancell Dr., Littlejohn Rd. at 54, and intersection of Barbee Chapel Hill at 54 road work
March 9 - May 30, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Lane closures through the area. In some instances, flaggers will maintain traffic. In others, signs will be posted to direct traffic.
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.
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.
Long-term lane closure: S. Columbia St. UNC steam tunnel replacement
Present to Dec. 2027
One lane will be closed between South Rd./McCauley St. and Cameron Ave.
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.
To Be Determined
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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