Wilmington Breaks Ground on $5.7 Million Streetscape Project

The city's infrastructure project will add sidewalks, upgrade crosswalks, and improve ADA accessibility along Dawson and Wooster Streets.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The City of Wilmington has begun a $5.76 million infrastructure project to enhance pedestrian accessibility and safety along Dawson and Wooster Streets. The project will fill in sidewalk gaps, upgrade crosswalks, and make ADA improvements at every intersection on both streets.

Why it matters

This project aims to improve walkability and accessibility in Wilmington, addressing gaps in the city's sidewalk network and making key intersections safer for pedestrians. It's part of the city's broader efforts to promote sustainable transportation and create more livable, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.

The details

The project will add sidewalks along both sides of Dawson Street between 4th and 17th Streets, and along both sides of Wooster Street between 5th Avenue and 15th Street. Travel lanes on both streets will be reduced from four to three to allow for street parking and bus stop improvements. The streets will also be resurfaced between 3rd and 17th Streets, with that work funded by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

  • The groundbreaking ceremony was held on March 4, 2026.
  • The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The players

City of Wilmington

The local government of Wilmington, North Carolina, which is overseeing the streetscape project.

Kevin Spears

The Mayor Pro Tem of Wilmington, who expressed excitement about the project's ability to improve walkability and accessibility in the community.

North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)

The state transportation agency that is funding the resurfacing portion of the project.

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What they’re saying

“We're just excited to add some walkability to Dawson St and Wooster St on both sides, filling in gaps with sidewalks and just, you know, making the community a little more accessible.”

— Kevin Spears, Mayor Pro Tem (WECT)

What’s next

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with the resurfacing work funded by NCDOT taking place concurrently.

The takeaway

This streetscape project is a significant investment in Wilmington's pedestrian infrastructure, addressing longstanding gaps and making key corridors more walkable and accessible for residents and visitors. It's a testament to the city's commitment to sustainable transportation and creating a more livable urban environment.