Major Downtown Smithfield Traffic, Parking Project Set To Begin In 2027

SMITHFIELD – A major downtown transportation project developed in the wake of controversial parking changes along Market Street is expected to begin early next year, bringing new crosswalks, one-way streets, angled parking and other traffic improvements to the heart of Smithfield.

The Smithfield Town Council unanimously approved an agreement with the N.C. Department of Transportation on Oct. 20 outlining maintenance responsibilities once the project is completed.

Councilman John Dunn made the motion, seconded by Councilwoman Doris Wallace.

Interim Town Manager Kimberly Pickett said NCDOT expects to award the construction contract in December 2026. Paving and other work could begin as early next year, with completion anticipated around June.

Much of the work south of Market Street, including improvements around the Johnston County Courthouse, is expected to take place at night between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Work north of Market Street can generally be performed during the day.

Downtown Traffic Changes

The project covers Market Street (U.S. 70 Business), from Front Street to Brightleaf Boulevard (U.S. 301), along with portions of Second, Third and Johnston streets downtown.

Second Street will become one-way southbound from Bridge Street to East Johnston Street, while East Johnston Street will become one-way eastbound between Second and Third streets.

Third Street will become one-way northbound from East Johnston Street to Bridge Street.

Angled parking will be added along portions of those streets, including handicapped-accessible spaces near the Johnston County Courthouse. Pickett said handicapped parking will also be added near the Johnston County Heritage Center.

Other improvements include new and upgraded crosswalks, ADA curb ramps, pedestrian signals, revised parking, wider travel lanes and pavement markings.

A new crosswalk and pedestrian signals are planned at Market Street and Brightleaf Boulevard.

Plans also include a raised concrete median between Front and Second streets.

Parking Changes Led To Broader Plan

The project follows months of discussions between Smithfield and NCDOT over downtown traffic safety and parking.

Earlier this year, NCDOT removed approximately 70 on-street parking spaces along Market Street between Second and North Seventh streets despite a request from the Town Council to delay the change.

NCDOT cited safety concerns and more than 500 crashes along the downtown corridor during a five-year period.

Town leaders later worked with NCDOT on the broader improvement plan, including angled parking on nearby streets to help replace some of the spaces lost along Market Street.

Smithfield has also worked with Johnston County and the Johnston County Building Industry Association to free additional public parking near the Land Use Center and Public Library.

Traffic Signal Concerns

Mayor Andy Moore and Mayor Pro Tem Sloan Stevens also raised concerns about traffic-signal timing along Market Street.

Both said the signals have not been properly synchronized for years and expressed hope NCDOT can make improvements, particularly during morning and afternoon rush-hour traffic.

Under the agreement, NCDOT will maintain improvements on Market Street and the state-maintained portion of Third Street.

Smithfield will maintain improvements on town-owned portions of Second, Johnston and Third streets and will be responsible for maintenance and liability associated with sidewalks included in the project.

The agreement itself has no immediate financial impact but establishes which government will maintain the improvements after construction is completed.