Downtown Apex construction cited in at least one business closure. What we know
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- Apex is re-designing its main downtown thoroughfare of Salem Street.
- Construction has bottlenecked traffic and contributed to at least one business closure.
- Alleyway Bookstore will leave the street, citing rising costs and changes to foot traffic.
As the town of Apex re-designs its main downtown thoroughfare, the construction project is bottlenecking traffic and has contributed to at least one business closure.
The suburb southwest of Raleigh has been working to revamp Salem Street since the beginning of the year. As of May 28, work was being done to install light poles and soil cells, which will allow trees to grow.
The project was originally slated to be finished October 2026. In early May, the town shared on Facebook that it would likely take longer than expected to finish the project due to “revised electrical plans,” which have since been approved. The News & Observer has asked the town for an updated timeline and cost of the construction project and is awaiting a response.
For months, parts of Salem Street have been reduced to one-way or local car traffic. Sidewalks are open on both sides of the street throughout the project, according to the town’s website and Facebook page.
A large banner above the downtown strip reminds residents stores and restaurants remain open to customers.
“Behind every storefront is someone who took a risk, invested in our community, and believed in downtown Apex,” Mayor Jacques Gilbert wrote Tuesday, June 9 in a Facebook post. “Many are facing significant economic challenges right now.”
Downtown Apex businesses closure
The used bookstore Alleyway Bookstore announced its closure June 6, citing rising costs and changes to foot traffic during the construction project outside its building, The News & Observer previously reported.
As Gilbert addressed the Alleyway closure, he said fellow downtown business Bella + Mauve Boutique shared it could have to make difficult decisions. Now, he’s encouraging people to spend money at shops in the area.
“For those who have the ability to spend locally, even small acts of support can make a meaningful difference,” the mayor said in a video posted to Facebook.
Portions of this story were previously published in The News & Observer.
