Construction slated for new pedestrian pathway to The Grounds

Construction on a new pedestrian pathway connecting Faculty Drive to The Grounds will begin in early March. In partnership with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the development and construction teams behind The Grounds will re-engineer the intersection at University Parkway and North Cherry Street. The goal is to simplify a complex roadway and slow traffic, creating a safer, pedestrian-friendly connection.

Currently, North Cherry Street splits from University Parkway, creating multiple, fast-moving traffic patterns. The redesigned intersection will consolidate traffic into a single, clearly signaled crossing. A robust grade-level crosswalk with a dedicated pedestrian signal will allow pedestrians to stop traffic in all directions by activating the stoplights, providing a safe crossing at the intersection.

Changes to the current road structure will also expand the multi-use trail and greenway area, creating more space for walking, gathering, and waiting on both sides of the crosswalk. Together, these improvements prioritize safety, enhance traffic flow, and strengthen the connection between campus and The Grounds. 

“For nearly 1.5 miles, University Parkway lacks pedestrian crossings, effectively dividing the Wake Forest academic campus from The Grounds and the athletic campus,” said Nathan Rhomberg, Civil Engineer with Kimley-Horn, the firm leading the re-engineering of the intersection, crossing, and access points. “The University’s commitment to prioritizing all modes of transportation resulted in the project providing a dedicated signal phase for this new multi-modal connection, as well as high-visibility crosswalks, pedestrian-activated signals, and significant roadway geometric changes designed to slow vehicle speeds and turning movements. This project was developed in close coordination with the City of Winston-Salem and NCDOT with the goal of enhancing safety, visibility, and efficiency for all users.”

Members of the Wake Forest community will be able to access The Grounds through a card-access gate providing entry and exit through Faculty Drive. This new access point will reduce travel time to The Grounds and adjacent athletic venues.

“For many years, the Faculty Drive neighbors, as well as students and other Wake Foresters, were able to walk to football and basketball games and the nearby restaurants. The gate at the cul-de-sac end of Faculty Drive was open sun-up to sun-down and an hour after late games. When COVID arrived, the gate was permanently locked,” said Debbie Best, a Faculty Drive resident and Wake Forest research professor in the Department of Psychology. “Now with a new fence, an attractive entrance, and key-card access, the Wake Forest community will have a safe connection to Deacon Boulevard and the Grounds. The neighbors are excited to see the enhanced entrance to the neighborhood and to Wake Forest.”

From the beginning, The Grounds has been designed as a pedestrian-friendly space that brings together retail, athletics and green space in one dynamic area. The development was intentionally planned to create accessible, inviting spaces that encourage walking, gathering, and everyday community interaction. The start of construction on the pedestrian pathway signals a step closer to realizing that goal. 

“I’m excited that this connection makes The Grounds feel like a natural extension of campus life. It’ll be easier for students to walk to games, grab food, or spend time with friends,” said Student Body President Amaya Williams (’26).

For more information about The Grounds and construction updates, visit visitthegrounds.com.