Salem Street Transformation Begins January 2026
Top Takeaways
N. Salem Street (from Saunders to Chatham) will be restricted to one-way traffic throughout the construction period.
Downtown Apex remains open for business throughout the project.
A major streetscape transformation kicks off soon in downtown Apex! The Salem Streetscape revitalization project is a top priority in the Town’s Downtown Master Plan and Parking Study, and aims to create a more welcoming, pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining experience while boosting the Town’s economic vitality and honoring its historic roots.
Design Highlights
When complete, this central block of Salem Street will feature a curbless, accessible design with brick pavers, street trees, decorative street lighting, catenary (string) lighting, and new street furniture. Removable bollards will be installed to enhance pedestrian safety when the road is closed for special events.
Plus, a new gathering space at the corner of Salem Street at Saunders Street will be constructed that complements the pedestrian-oriented streetscape improvements.
Construction Timeline and Phasing
Phase I of the project will begin in January 2026, closing one side of Salem Street to traffic. Sidewalks will be temporarily narrowed to a minimum of five feet, maintaining ADA accessibility requirements. The crosswalk on N. Salem Street will be temporarily relocated, slightly north of its current location.
In Phase II, construction will shift to the other side of Salem Street. To safely accommodate work zones, sidewalks along both sides of the street will be narrowed to a minimum of five feet.
Both phases of construction are expected to wrap up in October 2026, ahead of the busy holiday shopping season.
Traffic Impacts
Traffic will be restricted to one-way movement (southbound only) on Salem Street from Saunders Street to Chatham Street during construction. When construction is complete, the area will reopen to two-way traffic.
While driving in this area, consider these questions:
Is downtown your destination?
Great! Use downtown streets like Saunders, Elm, Moore, Seaboard, and others to navigate around the construction area and reach your preferred parking lot. Much of this area is residential, so be sure to watch for pedestrians!
Just passing through?
Avoid downtown streets during project construction and use the posted detours while through-traffic is temporarily restricted.
Parking and Transit
The recent Saunders Lot expansion added 152 new parking spaces right in the heart of downtown, boosting its overall parking capacity by 40 percent! While the Salem Streetscape project is underway, clear signage will direct visitors to the Saunders Lot and other available parking, ensuring continued access to local shops and restaurants during construction.
Residents and visitors can also view the Town’s Interactive Parking Map or download the Apex Parking app on IOS or Google Play stores for real time updates on parking availability. Both resources are available on the Town’s website at www.apexnc.org/DowntownParking.
Detour routes are currently being tested for GoApex Route 1, which currently runs along Salem Street from E Williams Street to Center Street. Any routing changes will be shared with riders prior to construction.
GoCary Route 9, which began service to Apex in November 2025, will have its own stop on Center Street beside the Historic Apex Depot and will not be affected by construction. Riders transferring between these routes can use the stop at Mason Street Municipal Building at 322 N Mason Street.
“Love Local” During Construction
Supporting local matters! Did you know that about 67 cents of every dollar spent locally stays right here in Apex, strengthening other businesses and supporting local job growth? Even during construction, you can continue to make an impact by enjoying all that Downtown has to offer.
Downtown Apex is proud to be the home of 132 diverse local businesses, from coffee shops and restaurants, to boutiques, salons, and wellness destinations. While each phase of construction will bring temporary changes to traffic patterns and how visitors navigate Salem Street, the Town is committed to helping residents and visitors continue to Love Local while the project is underway.
Local Spot Social District
Downtown’s social district, The Local Spot, makes it easy to relax and enjoy all that Salem Street has to offer, even during construction. Visitors can purchase a to-go beverage at participating vendors and stroll through designated outdoor areas while browsing shops or exploring new businesses.
Buy a Gift Certificate Now, Enjoy Later
Purchase a gift certificate now from restaurants, shops, and services to enjoy later.
Discover Something Different
Small businesses offer unique gifts, menus, and services. Check out our Downtown Business Directory at www.apexnc.org/Existing-Business.
Personalize Your Purchases
Small businesses love to work one-on-one with their customers to create a personalized and enjoyable shopping experience. Pop into an antique shop or boutique to get styling and gift advice or even request custom orders.
Looking Forward
While this project marks a period of change, it also advances a series of planned improvements to Downtown Apex, outlined in the Downtown Master Plan and Parking Study.
The goal is to make Salem Street the best public space in the region: where residents and visitors alike can enjoy enhanced pedestrian safety, greater walkability and accessibility, and thoughtfully designed spaces that celebrate Downtown’s historic character.
Stay tuned for more project updates as construction begins in January at www.apexnc.org/Salem, and learn more about what’s in store for Downtown Apex at www.apexnc.org/downtownplan.
