Short Summary
The Salem Streetscape project in Downtown Apex will begin in early 2026, transforming N Salem Street to enhance walkability and create inviting gathering spaces while preserving the area's historic charm. During construction, Downtown will remain open for business, with traffic adjustments and expanded parking available to ensure continued access to local shops and services.
Detailed Summary
The Salem Streetscape and Saunders Gathering Space project is set to revitalize Downtown Apex's main corridor, N Salem Street, from W Chatham to Saunders Street, starting early in 2026. This initiative, a key component of the Downtown Master Plan, aims to enhance walkability, create inviting gathering spaces, and boost the area's economic vitality while maintaining its historic character.
Construction will occur in phases, with one side of N Salem Street closed at a time, allowing for one-way southbound traffic. Local traffic will be restricted between Saunders and Chatham Streets, with detours advised for through traffic. Despite construction, Downtown will remain open for business, with adjustments made to parking and transit routes to ensure continued access to shops and services.
Key design features include a curbless street layout for improved accessibility, enhanced pedestrian crossings, and the retention of some on-street parking spaces. The Saunders Gathering Space will offer seating, games, and a pergola with decorative lighting. Efforts are in place to support local businesses during the construction period, encouraging visitors to explore and enjoy the downtown area.
Salem Streetscape & Saunders Gathering Space
Salem Street is getting a makeover! Downtown Apex’s main corridor, N Salem
Street from W Chatham to Saunders Street, will undergo a major transformation
beginning early 2026. This project, a top priority in the Downtown Master
Plan and Parking Study, will enhance
walkability, add inviting new spaces to gather, and strengthen Downtown’s
economic vitality while preserving its historic charm.
Downtown will remain open for business during construction, with parking,
traffic, and transit adjustments to keep visitors connected to their favorite
shops and services.
Current Status (12/01/25):
- Property Acquisition: 2024-2025 (in progress)
- Construction: 2026
Adopted Design Highlights
Salem Street Features
- A curbless design prioritizes flexibility and accessibility. It will feature continuous drains along each side, brick pavers, removable bollards for pedestrian safety, street trees, street furniture, decorative streetlights, and catenary (string) lighting with control of color and effects for events.
- Ten (10) of the original thirty (30) on-street parking spaces are retained, balancing parking convenience with a more inviting pedestrian experience.
- Enhanced pedestrian crossings at Chatham Street and Saunders Street will feature speed tables, upgraded pedestrian crosswalks and ramps, and extended curbs to shorten the crossing distance.
Saunders Gathering Space Features
- Features include furniture, games, and a pergola with catenary lighting.
- Two of the original six parking spaces are retained at the corner of Commerce Street.
- An informational kiosk and the existing lending library will be incorporated into the space.
Traffic Impacts & Mitigation
Traffic Changes __
- Each phase of construction will close one side of N Salem Street at a time, limiting traffic to one-way southbound movement.
- N. Salem Street, from Saunders to Chatham Street, will be restricted to local traffic only. Through traffic should use the NC 55 to Hunter Street detour to navigate around Downtown.
Downtown Access
- Downtown remainsopen for business throughout construction! Follow posted signage to reach downtown shopping and dining destinations.
- Visitors can use still use streets surrounding downtown to access parking areas, including the newly expanded Saunders Lot with 152 additionalparking spaces!
- View the Downtown Parking Interactive Map or download the Apex Parking App on IOS or Google Play stores for real-time updates.
- GoApex Route 1 and GoCary Route 9 will continue to operate during construction, with any route changes shared before the project begins.
'Love Local' During Construction
Help downtown businesses continue to thrive throughout the Salem Streetscape
construction project by visiting your favorite spots or discovering something
new!
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