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There will be less space to drive on Franklin Street, but more space to eat and drink.

Town of Chapel Hill staff have begun installing barriers and bollards on the street from Robertson Lane to Graham Street to increase sidewalk capacity while temporarily reducing lanes for vehicular traffic.

The Town Council approved this temporary initiative in June to promote physical distancing and to increase capacity for outdoor dining.

All on-street parking, loading zones and other amenities will be available with small adjustments. Staff will mark curbside pickup parking spaces so individuals can quickly enter a business to pick up food or other items. Outdoor dining will only be permitted on the sidewalks; the lane closures will be available to pedestrians to allow more space to get around the additional outdoor dining.

The walkways will be in place until at least mid-September, and the town will regularly assess the area for use and safety.

Orange County provided funding assistance to the town for the project. The town also had to receive approval from NC DOT as Franklin Street is a state-maintained road.

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