Downtown Two-Way Street Conversion | City of Winston-Salem, NC

By Editorial team ·May 1, 2025

Project Overview

In 2022, the City completed the two-way conversion project for portions of First Street and Second Street. The next phase of this project is to convert both Liberty Street and Main Street to two-way operation from Brookstown Avenue to Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive.

The Chamber of Commerce/Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership Business 40 Task Force recommended the two-way conversion projects to slow traffic speeds, promote pedestrian use, improve connectivity of the downtown street network, and enhance the overall downtown business environment.

A study by an independent traffic engineering firm concluded that these changes were feasible after looking at both:

The effect that the exit and entrance ramp configurations for the Salem Parkway Project (formerly Business 40) had on downtown traffic; and

The anticipated volume of traffic in 2040.

The intent of the two-way conversion projects will improve circulation patterns and make it easier for downtown visitors to get to their destinations.

Latest News

The milling of the existing pavement on the Phase 1 sections of Liberty Street, Main Street, and Old Salem Road (from the US 421 bridge south to Academy Street) will begin the week of May 5th. Once milling is completed, work will start on adjusting utility structures. After this is completed, street paving for this section of the project is anticipated to start the week of May 12th. As always, scheduled work can be affected by weather conditions or unforeseen conflicts. Please remain attentive as you travel through the area and expect delays.

Scope of Work

The project includes:

Corner curb extensions (“bulb-outs”) at select intersections to shorten pedestrian crossing distances, improve pedestrian visibility to vehicles and provide protected on-street parking zones.
New lane markings & traffic lights.
Resurfacing the streets.
Modifications of on-street parking in select locations.
Realignment of Old Salem Road at Brookstown Avenue.

Current traffic patterns will remain in place during construction. Lane closures may be required at times to place new traffic signals and build corner extensions.

Overview map of two-way conversions of Main and Liberty streets Overview map of Main & Liberty Street conversions (PDF)

FAQsWhy are these streets being converted to two-way traffic?

The use of one-way streets was established in the late 1940s, before Business 40 (now Salem Parkway) was built and vehicles had to go through downtown to get from one side of Winston-Salem to the other.

That is no longer the case. And the growth of downtown as a destination for visitors and as a place to live has created greater interest in making downtown more accommodating for pedestrians and bicyclists.

A study of downtown streets completed in 2015 recommended converting First, Second, Liberty and Main streets to two-way traffic to slow traffic, make downtown more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly, improve traffic circulation downtown, and enhance the overall downtown business environment.

Slowing traffic and allowing two-way traffic will allow motorists to see potential attractions or businesses that they might want to patronize. Lower speeds also promote walkability, which is a favorable condition for downtown business.

Two-way streets will also improve traffic circulation. Visitors will be able to get to their destination more directly, resulting in them getting off the road sooner than if they had to circle a block because of the one-way traffic direction.

Why are portions of First Street and Second streets still one-way?

Efforts were made to identify solutions for two-way travel along the entire length of First and Second Streets. However, the short spacing between Cherry and Marshall Streets (and some other adjacent streets) would result in back-ups that could tie up intersections because the short blocks do not allow enough room for “queue stacking,” that is, the cars stopped between the streets while waiting for the light to turn green.

Keeping these blocks one-way allows both lanes to be used by vehicles, just as they currently are.

Don’t the one-way sections on First and Second streets defeat the purpose of the two-way conversion?

No. The two-way conversion primarily is intended to calm traffic and improved traffic circulation downtown. First Street will remain predominately a westbound route, and Second Street will remain predominantly an eastbound route. However, the two-way conversion will give downtown commuters new options for getting into and out of downtown, which will absorb some of the traffic that currently uses those streets.

For example, the new traffic pattern will allow southbound drivers on Broad Street to turn right at Second Street to get to Peters Creek Parkway. Currently, they must go to First Street.

Why is the block of Second Street between Broad and Spring remaining one-way?

This block remains one-way because there is not enough right-of way for both two-way traffic on that block AND allow two left-turn lanes from the Second Street connector on to northbound Broad Street. Two left turn lanes are necessary because of the volume of traffic that turns at this intersection.

How do two-way streets calm traffic?

One-way pairs of multi-lane streets can inadvertently create a “race track” feel, due to wide pavement, straight paths, and well-timed two-phase traffic signals. One-way streets also can hinder the visibility of businesses and access to businesses.

In contrast, two-way streets tend to reduce vehicle speeds. Two-way roadways also improve access and connectivity, shorten trip lengths, and reduce driver confusion.

What happens to traffic patterns during the transition?

The current traffic patterns will remain in effect during construction. Lane closures may be required from time to time for construction. Once all the elements are in place the roads will be switched to two-way traffic. Typically, the switch takes place over a weekend, when traffic volumes are lower.

How long will it take?

The Liberty Street and Main Street 2-Way Conversion project is expected to take approximately 9–10 months.

How much will it cost?

As part of the November 2018 bond referendum, voters approved $6.4 million in bonds to pay for converting the streets. This includes the cost of new traffic signals and mounting poles, building curb-extensions, milling and repaving, painting new lane markings and realigning Old Salem Road.

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City of Winston-SalemCity Hall101 North Main StreetWinston-Salem, NC 27101

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By Editorial team

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