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1. Why 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 in 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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. 

6. 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.

7. When will this happen?

To minimize the disruption downtown, only one pair of streets will be converted at a time. First and Second streets will be converted first, because they are the most in need of repaving (which is part of the project). Work on them is expected to start this summer and is scheduled to take about a year to complete. 

Once First and Second streets are completed, work will begin on Liberty and Main streets.

8. How long will it take?

Transportation officials estimate that by doing only two streets at a time, it will take about two years to convert all four streets.

9. 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.