Durham’s transit hub is about to get a major overhaul and expansion
Work will get underway soon to make the city’s downtown bus station larger and more comfortable for riders.
The city on Monday marked the start of a $26 million project to expand and improve Durham Station. The hub for GoDurham also handles GoTriangle and intercity buses such as Greyhound.
About 14,000 people pass through the station each day, according to the city.
Later this month, contractors will begin increasing the number of bus bays from 20 to 28, add new public restrooms and seating, and create a new customer service and security kiosk.
They’ll also build larger canopies to better protect riders from rain and sun while they wait for a bus. And the kiss-and-ride area where cars can drop off or pick up riders will move from West Pettigrew Street to the station’s second level off Willard Street.
Less obvious will be reinforced pavement to support heavier, battery-electric buses that the city is gradually acquiring. GoDurham has put eight on the road, since its first two arrived in 2021 and has another 18 on order.
Construction at Durham Station is expected to take until the end of 2026. The station will remain open and fully operational during that time.
The city received a $10.8 million federal grant for the project, plus another $1.7 million from the big infrastructure bill passed by Congress in late 2021. That will be matched by $13.5 million from Durham County transit tax.
This story was originally published December 9, 2024 at 5:15 PM.
