E. Weatherspoon Street will be closed to through-traffic between Hawkins Avenue and Third Street for approximately six months starting Monday, February 23, 2026.
The closure will allow contractors to expand the culvert (or tunnel) under Weatherspoon Street that allows Little Buffalo Creek to pass through. Once complete, the expanded culvert will be better equipped to accommodate excess stormwater collected by the creek, reducing the risk of flooding along its path.
The project is funded by a $2.6 million Flood Mitigation Assistance grant from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Flood Resiliency Blueprint and N.C. Emergency Management for infrastructure projects to reduce flooding and associated damage.
When not in use for a rain event, pedestrians can walk through the expanded culvert to access the Sanford Municipal Center – a feature of the Sanford Central Green concept. The expansion project includes adding a pedestrian path from First Street to the culvert.
The project is a critical component of the City’s flood management plan for downtown Sanford. Expanding the culvert helps mitigate flooding and connects the municipal center to the Sanford Central Green.
Future flood mitigation improvements include restoring the Little Buffalo Creek’s natural meandering path. The natural path will help slow stormwater and give the expanded culvert time to channel the water more effectively.
Contractor activity is expected to begin next week. Once the road is closed, traffic will be detoured to Charlotte Avenue and Third Street. Access to the Sanford Municipal Center will not be affected.
For more information about the project, contact Mary DePina, City of Sanford Civil Engineer II and project lead, at 919-777-1121, or visit our projects hub.