The Strollway: Fouth Ward - Image of the area of Raleigh that will connect between downtown and Dix park

Planning

The Strollway: Fourth Ward

A safe and easy way to walk, stroll, and connect between downtown and Dix park

About the Strollway: Fourth Ward Project

The Strollway: Fourth Ward project will honor the rich history and culture of Raleigh’s historic Fourth Ward neighborhood. It will also create a safe, easy-to-use path for walking, strolling, and other ways of getting around without a car. This route will connect Dorothea Dix Park to the southwest edge of downtown Raleigh and offer a welcoming space for people to move, meet, and celebrate local heritage.

The project will include features like safer street crossings, better lighting, landscaping, and signs that tell the story of the neighborhood’s history and culture. When space and money allow, there may also be smaller public spots with benches where people can sit, relax, and connect with each other.

The Strollway: Fourth Ward is in the southwestern part of downtown Raleigh. It mainly follows South Street, going east to west. It also includes part of South Saunders Street, which gives people a direct and easy way to get from Dorothea Dix Park up to South Street and into downtown. This makes the Strollway a smooth, clear connection between the park and downtown.

Map of The Strollway: Fourth Ward project area and area of influence along S. Saunders St. and W. South St.

But the Strollway is more than just a sidewalk or path. It focuses on sharing local culture, making walking safe and enjoyable, and listening to what the community wants. The goal is to create a public space that feels lively, welcoming, and reflects the cultural legacy of people who live, work, and visit here.

Project Details

 
Type:
Transportation Improvements
Date Range:
-
Project Lead:
Christopher Stebbins

Contact

 

Christopher Stebbins
Urban Designer/Planner
Planning and Development
christopher.stebbins@raleighnc.gov
919-996-2655

Kelly Ham
Engineering Manager
Engineering Services
kelly.ham@raleighnc.gov
919-996-5587

Dhanya Sandeep
Planning Supervisor
Planning and Development
dhanya.sandeep@raleighnc.gov
919-996-2659

Ken Bowers
Deputy Department Director
Planning and Development
ken.bowers@raleighnc.gov
919-996-2633

Lead Department:
Planning and Development
Participating Department:
Parks, Recreation and Cultural ResourcesTransportationEngineering Services
Service Unit:
Urban Projects Group (UPG)

Subscribe

 

Strategy

Date Range:
-

The Strollway will be easy to use for everyone. It will focus on comfort, safety, and connection. The goal is to help people enjoy Raleigh in a more personal and meaningful way—whether they live here or are just visiting.
This people-friendly route will connect downtown Raleigh with:

  • Dorothea Dix Park
  • The historic Fourth Ward neighborhood
  • Black-owned businesses
  • Red Hat Amphitheatre
  • Affordable housing like Heritage Park
  • New shops and businesses
  • Areas with new buildings and parks

Why does the Strollway matter?

The community and advocates have voted for this project as a top priority. The Strollway will connect a mix of important places—both old and new—throughout the city. A big part of the project is to celebrate the story of Raleigh’s Fourth Ward, a historic African-American neighborhood, and share its impact on the city.

This project builds on earlier planning efforts like the South Park Heritage Trail. It includes ideas from many groups, including NC State, Shaw University, Dix Park Conservancy, and the Raleigh Housing Authority. It reflects the City’s focus on fairness, cultural preservation, and inclusive design.

Funding

The Strollway: Fourth Ward is funded by a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Environmental Review

Because federal funds are being used, the project must go through an environmental review. This process is required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). It’s being done along with the review for the South Park Heritage Trail and will finish before any construction starts.

Mobility Study

The City’s Transportation department is studying how people move around downtown Raleigh. The results will help guide the final design and plan for the Strollway.

Lead Department:
Planning and Development

Visioning

Date Range:
-

The Strollway: Fourth Ward will be a people-friendly path that connects downtown Raleigh with Dorothea Dix Park. It’s being designed to be safe, comfortable, and easy to enjoy on foot or by bike.

As the name suggests, the Strollway is meant for slower, relaxed movement. People will be encouraged to walk, stroll, and explore, rather than rush.

The street won’t block car access completely. But new design features will help slow down traffic, making it safer for people walking or biking.

When space and money allow, the Strollway could include smaller public spots for neighbors to meet up and interact. It will connect with planned upgrades to the Raleigh Amphitheatre, helping visitors enjoy the space even more.

Through creative design, local stories, and strong partnerships, this project hopes to bring more people to the area and build deeper connections to the community and its history.

Lead Department:
Planning and Development

Design

Project Schedule

Starting in January 2025, the City began work on the Strollway: Fourth Ward project. Currently, we are in the process of choosing a consultant team to develop the concept, early designs and implementation plan. After finalizing the contract, we expect design efforts to begin in Summer 2025.

Lead Department:
Planning and Development