Chapel Drive Access to Remain Limited to Authorized Vehicles
Authorized vehicles, such as Duke University buses/vans, event services vehicles, parcel delivery vehicles, and approved vendors, will continue to have access
Access to Chapel Drive between the roundabout and the Chapel Drive Quad loop/bus stop will remain restricted to foster a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment in the heart of Duke’s West Campus.
The segment of Chapel Drive has been closed since last summer for construction, which allowed significant progress on several needed infrastructure projects designed to vastly improve campus in anticipation of Duke’s Centennial in 2024 and beyond.
Authorized vehicles, such as Duke University buses/vans, event services vehicles, parcel delivery vehicles, and approved vendors, will continue to have access from 7 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. daily. Outside of these hours, the road will continue to be closed to motorized vehicles.
Individuals with specific accessibility requirements should contact Duke's Disability Management System to request appropriate accommodations. Community members with questions or those who would like to request special access should email requests to ptsenforcement@duke.edu a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
“Limiting access on Chapel Drive has helped to reduce traffic on that section of road by more than 60 percent or nearly 600 cars a day, which promotes a safer environment in one of the heaviest pedestrian areas on campus,” said Russell Thompson, interim Vice President for Operations.
Thompson said that the decision to extend the restricted access was rooted in a commitment to ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors as well as to enhance the campus experience.
“We appreciate the Duke community’s understanding and cooperation as we work together to create and enjoy a safer, more pedestrian-friendly environment on Chapel Drive and Abele Quad,” he said.
Going forward, Duke officials plan to study alternate pickup/drop-off locations around the quad perimeter such as the Allen Lot and Bryan Center Circle to see what enhancements may be needed. Information will also be added to the Parking & Transportation Services website that includes the proper addresses/coordinates for these alternate pickup/drop-off locations that can be shared with rideshare and delivery services.
Send story ideas, shout-outs and photographs through our story idea form or write working@duke.edu.
Follow Working@Duke on X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.