Salem Streetscape & Saunders Gathering Space

Current Status (02/02/26):

Phase 1 (east half) demolition in progress.

• Construction Contract Timeline: January - October 2026
• Lead Contact: Town of Apex, Adam Stephenson

Follow The Flow: Traffic Impacts & Mitigation 

Each phase of construction will close one side of N. Salem Street at a time, restricting traffic to one-way southbound movement. N. Salem, 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.

Phase I Traffic Changes 

Phase I of the Streetscape project involves the re-construction of the East side of N. Salem Street. 

• During Phase I, the East side of N. Salem street will be completely closed to all traffic.
• The West side of N. Salem Street will be open to southbound traffic only. 
• Emergency access to Salem Street will be available for Apex Police and Fire. 

Navigating Downtown During Construction

• Downtown remains open for business throughout construction! Allow a few extra minutes for travel and 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 additional parking 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 will serve the downtown area on a significant detour in the southbound direction only. Stops include the Halle Cultural Arts Center, near Center Street, and in front of Advance Community Health near Moore Street.
• GoCary Route 9's current stop on Center Street next to the historic Apex Union Depot is open. 

Riders are encouraged to transfer between these services at the Mason Street Municipal Building at 320 N Mason St. For the most updated routing and detour information, visit apexnc.org/detour. 

Keep Loving Local: Supporting Downtown Businesses

Help downtown businesses continue to thrive throughout the Salem Streetscape construction project by visiting your favorite spots or discovering something new!

• Buy a gift card now, enjoy it later! Support local shops and businesses and redeem at any time.
• Discover something different. Find unique gifts and experiences you won't find anywhere else!
• Personalize your purchase. Get custom gifts and expert advice from local boutiques.
• Tell a friend! Share the love and shop local together! Explore our downtown businesses here.