In August, Duke Facilities Management will launch a multi-phase project to enhance pedestrian safety along Trent Drive, a vital corridor for University students, staff, faculty, patients and visitors. The initiative includes a series of thoughtful enhancements designed to calm traffic and make crossings safer.
What’s Changing?
To create a more pedestrian-friendly environment, the following upgrades will be installed:
- New road and crosswalk signs
- A raised crosswalk
- A speed bump
- Delineators to guide traffic flow
One other key change will be the installation of new signage prohibiting left turns from all lanes exiting Parking Garage 1 (PG1) onto Trent Drive.
Traffic Impacts
During certain stages of the project, Trent Drive will have overnight partial lane closures followed by one full shutdown of the road with detours and traffic support in place.
Project Timeline & Traffic Logistics
The work will be completed in phases, with the first improvements taking place in August.
August 11–15 (7 p.m. – 5 a.m. nightly)
- Traffic Impact: The West side of Trent Drive will narrow from two lanes to one during nighttime hours.
- Pedestrian Impact: Sidewalks will be closed with clearly marked detours in place.
August 16 (7 a.m.) – August 17 (5 a.m.)
- Road Closure: Trent Drive will be closed beyond PG1 through Erwin Drive.
- Traffic Access Maintained: PG1, Duke Medicine Pavilion (DMP), and Duke Medicine Circle will remain accessible.
- Detours: Vehicles will be rerouted via Flowers Drive and Yearby Avenue.
- Traffic control personnel: Present during work hours to assist with traffic flow.
August 17 (7 a.m.) – August 20 (5 a.m.)
- Final Touches: Additional signage installation.
- No Closures: Pedestrian and vehicle access will remain uninterrupted.
These enhancements reflect Duke’s commitment to campus and community safety. If you’re planning travel in the area, be sure to note the dates, check Google Maps and Waze for real-time updates, and follow posted detours and signage.
