Town of Old Fort

10/13/2026

🚧 CATAWBA AVENUE STREETSCAPE PROJECT UPDATE – OCTOBER 13, 2026 🚧

We have received the latest construction update from the Catawba Avenue Streetscape Project team.

✅ Paving is complete, and Catawba Avenue is OPEN to traffic!

🚧 What's happening this week:

Detour signs and barriers are being removed.

Crews are completing pavement markings, including striping, turn arrows, and stop bars.

Temporary traffic flagging may be necessary while crews work, but no additional road closures are expected.

🌳 What's next:
Landscaping and final project cleanup are anticipated to be completed by the end of October.

We appreciate everyone's continued patience as the final stages of this project are completed.

📄 The full October 12 construction update, including the project timeline and a progress photo, is available on the Town's website:

10/09/2026

🚧 CATAWBA AVENUE STREETSCAPE PROJECT UPDATE – 10/9/26 🚧

🎉 We're happy to share that Catawba Avenue is OPEN to traffic! 🎉

While the streetscape project isn't quite finished, we're getting closer! There is still work to be completed, including permanent pavement striping, tree planting, and other finishing touches.

Additional temporary closures will be necessary as crews complete the remaining work, but for now, Catawba Avenue is open!

We will continue sharing updates as information becomes available.

Thank you to our downtown businesses, residents, and visitors for your continued patience throughout this project. We encourage everyone to continue visiting and enjoying downtown Old Fort as the finishing touches are completed!

📸 Photo courtesy of Susan Mace — thank you for allowing us to share it!

10/07/2026

💧 BOIL WATER ADVISORY LIFTED - 10/7/26 @ 3:45P 💧

All required testing has been completed and the results have come back satisfactory. Water is safe for normal use and consumption.
Customers should flush their water lines for a few minutes before using water. This is especially important for locations that have not been occupied or have had low water usage during the advisory period. All ice made during the advisory period should be discarded.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while the advisory was in effect.

10/07/2026

🚧 TRAFFIC UPDATE – 10/8/26 @ 1:20P 🚧

We have just been notified by the contractor that Catawba Avenue will be closed to traffic again beginning at 5:00 PM today, Thursday, October 8.

Thank you for your continued patience as work progresses on the Catawba Avenue Streetscape Project.

⚠️ UPDATE – JUST RECEIVED 10/7/26 @ 1:20P - We have just been advised by the contractor that Catawba Avenue will reopen to traffic at approximately 7:00 AM tomorrow morning, Thursday, October 8, 2026. At that time, Water Street will temporarily close at the Catawba Avenue intersection while crews pave the entrance into Water Street. The length of that closure is not yet known and will depend on how long the paving work takes. Commerce Street will remain closed. We will share any additional information as it becomes available.

🚧 CATAWBA AVE STREETSCAPE PROJECT UPDATE – OCT 6, 2026 🚧

We have received the latest construction update on the Catawba Avenue Streetscape Project, and work continues to move toward completion.

🔨 WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?

• Paving began Tuesday, October 6, and the base course has been completed.

• Crews will now begin working on the connection at Water Street and the bridge.

• Detour routes may temporarily change as crews work to complete this section. Flag crews will be on site as needed to direct traffic during these operations.

📅 WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE SCHEDULE?

Final surfacing is expected to be completed this week.

Striping is anticipated to be completed early next week, with the roadway scheduled to reopen following completion of the striping.

Landscaping and final project cleanup are anticipated to be completed by the end of October.

🏪 DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES REMAIN OPEN & ACCESSIBLE

Sidewalk access to all downtown storefronts, restaurants and businesses remains 100% open and accessible throughout construction.

Delivery access has also been planned for downtown businesses, with temporary barriers able to be moved as needed for commercial deliveries and temporary access.

🚗 DETOUR REMINDER

Commerce Street remains closed to through traffic. Detour traffic will continue to use Orchard Street to access the rear of Commerce Street businesses.

Commerce Street has been widened and reinforced to accommodate detour traffic, and heavy through-truck traffic continues to be routed along regional NCDOT routes to help keep large trucks off residential side streets.

👉 Read the full October 6 project update, including the latest project photos, on the Town of Old Fort website here:
https://townofoldfort.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Public-Information-Sheet-Updated_100626.pdf

Thank you for your continued patience as we move through these final stages of the Catawba Avenue Streetscape Project, and please continue to support our downtown businesses while construction is underway!

Send a message to learn more

10/06/2026

💧 BOIL WATER ADVISORY LIFTED - 10/7/26 @ 3:45P 💧

All required testing has been completed and the results have come back satisfactory. Water is safe for normal use and consumption.
Customers should flush their water lines for a few minutes before using water. This is especially important for locations that have not been occupied or have had low water usage during the advisory period. All ice made during the advisory period should be discarded.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while the advisory was in effect.

💧 WATER SERVICE UPDATE – OCTOBER 5 @ 8:51P💧

Earlier today, contractors working on the Catawba Avenue Streetscape Project hit a water valve, affecting water service for residents north of the railroad tracks.

Crews are continuing to work on the repair and restore normal water service.

⚠️ BOIL WATER ADVISORY

Due to the loss of water pressure associated with today’s leak, residents in the affected area are advised to boil all water used for human consumption once water service is restored. This includes water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth and preparing food.

Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute and allow it to cool before use, or use bottled water.

The advisory will remain in effect until the Town receives confirmation that the water is safe for consumption. We will post an update as soon as the boil water advisory has been lifted.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while crews work to resolve the issue.

10/05/2026

Edit: 10/5/26 @ 8:51P

💧 WATER SERVICE UPDATE 💧

Earlier today, contractors working on the Catawba Avenue Streetscape Project hit a water valve, affecting water service for residents north of the railroad tracks.

Crews are continuing to work on the repair and restore normal water service.

⚠️ BOIL WATER ADVISORY ⚠️

Due to the loss of water pressure associated with today’s leak, residents in the affected area are advised to boil all water used for human consumption once water service is restored. This includes water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth and preparing food.

Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute and allow it to cool before use, or use bottled water.

The advisory will remain in effect until the Town receives confirmation that the water is safe for consumption. We will post an update as soon as the boil water advisory has been lifted.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while crews work to resolve the issue.

💧 5:00P WATER SERVICE NOTICE 💧

The contractors working on the Catawba Avenue Streetscape Project have hit a water valve, which is currently affecting water service for residents north of the railroad tracks.

Residents in the affected area may experience low water pressure or no water service for the next few hours while crews work to address the issue.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience while repairs are being made.

We will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.

09/29/2026

🚧 CATAWBA AVENUE STREETSCAPE PROJECT UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 29, 2026 🚧

We have received the latest construction update from the Catawba Avenue Streetscape Project team.

🔨 WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?

• Undercut excavation of the roadway is expected to be completed today. Gravel road base will be installed, compacted and tested through the end of the week.

• Repairs to the eroded storm drain and sinkhole at Commerce Street are also expected to be completed this week.

• Beginning Wednesday, September 30 at 4:00 AM, crews will begin demolition of the section of Catawba Avenue from Water Street to the bridge. All detour routes will remain in place, and flaggers will be at Water Street to direct traffic through the demolition area. This work is expected to be completed by the end of the day.

📅 WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE SCHEDULE?

Asphalt crews are currently scheduled to begin paving Monday, October 5.

The current project schedule calls for paving and striping to be completed the week of October 5, with the Catawba Avenue corridor targeted to reopen the week of October 12.

🏪 DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES REMAIN OPEN & ACCESSIBLE

Sidewalk access to all storefronts, restaurants and businesses remains 100% open and accessible throughout construction.

Delivery access has also been planned for downtown businesses, with temporary barriers able to be moved as needed for commercial deliveries and temporary access.

🚗 DETOUR REMINDER

Commerce Street remains closed to through traffic. Detour traffic will continue to use Orchard Street to access the rear of Commerce Street businesses.

Commerce Street is being widened and reinforced with stone backing and safety barriers to better accommodate detour traffic. Heavy through-truck traffic is being routed along regional NCDOT routes to help keep large trucks off residential side streets.

👉 Read the full September 29 project update here:
https://townofoldfort.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Public-Information-Sheet-Updated_092926.pdf

Thank you for your continued patience as we move through these final stages of the Catawba Avenue Streetscape Project, and please continue to support our downtown businesses while construction is underway!

09/22/2026

🚧 CATAWBA AVENUE STREETSCAPE PROJECT UPDATE 🚧

We have received the latest progress update on the Catawba Avenue Streetscape Project as work continues toward completion.

Roadway demolition has been completed, with the existing asphalt and concrete underlayment removed.

🚧 WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?

Subsurface exploration has revealed inadequate soils for the required compaction before repaving. The geotechnical engineer has advised that the contractor will need to remove approximately 12 inches of the existing soil and replace it with stone before paving can begin.

Additionally, a small sinkhole was discovered as a result of a previous repair to the storm drain when sewer lines were installed. This area will also be excavated and properly repaired before paving.

📅 WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE SCHEDULE?

At this time, barring weather delays, the project is on schedule moving forward. This level of excavation was anticipated and included in the initial schedule.

Paving crews are tentatively scheduled to be on site September 30–October 2. The current target schedule calls for completion of paving and striping and reopening of the corridor during the week of October 5.

🏪 DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES REMAIN ACCESSIBLE

Commerce Street remains closed to through traffic, but sidewalk access to all storefronts, restaurants and businesses remains open and accessible throughout construction. Specific access routes are also planned for commercial deliveries.

🚗 Please continue to follow the designated detour routes. Heavy through-truck traffic is being detoured via regional NCDOT routes at Exit 75 to help keep heavy trucks off residential side streets.

👉 Read the full September 22 project update here:
https://townofoldfort.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Public-Information-Sheet-Updated_092226.pdf

We appreciate everyone’s continued patience as work on the Catawba Avenue Streetscape Project moves forward.

09/17/2026

**WATER LINE REPAIR – S. RAILROAD ST. / S. THOMPSON ST.**

A contractor has struck a 3" water line near S. Railroad Street and S. Thompson Street. Crews are actively working to make the necessary repairs.

At this time, we are hopeful that water service can be maintained throughout the repair; however, some customers may experience changes or reduced water pressure while the work is underway.

We will provide additional updates if there are any changes that may affect water service.

Thank you for your patience while crews work to get the line repaired as quickly as possible.

09/04/2026

🚧 CATAWBA AVENUE STREETSCAPE PROJECT UPDATE 🚧

We have received an important update on the Catawba Avenue Streetscape Project as work prepares to move into its final major phase — roadway reconstruction and paving.

NCDOT has approved the temporary road closure and detour routes that will be needed to complete this work.

📅 Current Target Schedule:
• Week of Sept. 8 – Paver installation
• Sept. 14 – Town Board Meeting update, including road closures and detour routes
• Week of Sept. 21 – Roadway demolition and subsurface exploration
• Week of Sept. 28 – Excavation and base correction
• Week of Oct. 5 – Paving, striping and reopening of the corridor

🚗 Traffic & Detours
Commerce Street will be closed to through traffic during the roadway work. Detour routes will be in place, including separate routing for heavy truck traffic.

🏪 DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES WILL REMAIN ACCESSIBLE
Pedestrian access to all downtown storefronts, restaurants and businesses will remain open throughout construction. Plans are also in place to accommodate commercial deliveries and other necessary business access.

Because the roadway has been in place for decades, the exact timeline will depend in part on the conditions found beneath the existing pavement once excavation begins. The project team will have geotechnical testing on site so decisions can be made quickly as work progresses.

📍 Representatives from Destination by Design and Tennoca Construction will attend the September 14 Town Board Meeting at 6:00 PM to review the detour plan, answer questions and discuss the final completion schedule.

👉 Please review the full project update and detour maps here:
https://townofoldfort.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Old-Fort-Detour-Plan.pdf

We know this project has created challenges for our downtown businesses, residents and visitors, and we appreciate everyone's continued patience as work moves toward completion.