The Grounds Advances Major Connectivity Improvements with Safer, Reimagined Intersection at University Parkway
Redesigned roadway, multi-use trail, and enhanced access points reshape how the community will connect across the district
Winston-Salem, NC – The Grounds is advancing a new phase of connectivity improvements designed to make the area safer, more intuitive, and more walkable for residents, visitors, and the broader Winston-Salem community.
In partnership with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the development and construction teams behind The Grounds will re-engineer the intersection at University Parkway and North Cherry Street, transforming a complex roadway configuration into a simplified, pedestrian-friendly connection point that supports the district’s long-term vision.
Construction on the intersection improvements will begin in early March and will involve intermittent lane closures. The intersection will not fully close during the work. Work will conclude this summer.
“This is intentional master planning at its best, all about building stronger, safer connections,” said Coleman Team, President and Managing Partner of Front Street Capital, development partner on The Grounds with Carter. “From the very beginning, The Grounds has been designed to better connect Wake Forest University, surrounding neighborhoods, and the broader Winston-Salem community. These updates are visible proof of that commitment.”
A Safer, Simpler Intersection
Today, North Cherry Street branches off from University Parkway in a one-way northbound lane about 0.1 miles before the traffic signal with University and southbound Cherry Street, creating multiple fast-paced travel patterns heading north.
The redesigned intersection will move the northbound Cherry Street lane to be adjacent to the southbound lane, all sitting above a new clearly marked pedestrian crosswalk – for a single signaled intersection rather than an un-signaled fork in the road. That intersection will have a pedestrian-dedicated signal phase, allowing walkers to temporarily stop traffic in all directions for safe crossing. The elimination of the existing northbound Cherry Street lane will not only slow down traffic, making for a safer vehicular corridor, but also add to the multi-use trail and greenway area, with ample space for gathering and waiting on either side of the crosswalk. Together, these changes prioritize safety while improving overall traffic flow and predictability.
“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.”
Extending the Walkable Network
The intersection redesign is part of a broader effort to create seamless pedestrian connectivity throughout The Grounds and beyond.
Additional improvements include:
Connective Pathways and Sidewalks
The multi-use path will extend from The Grounds across University Parkway, incorporating green spaces and landscaping into areas newly available through roadway reconfiguration. Via the new safer crosswalks, the path will connect directly into a new gated pedestrian entry to Wake Forest University at the end of Faculty Drive, creating safe, continuous walking and biking routes. Initially, those will connect with existing gravel trails along the northwest part of campus, with the University adding paved walkways as part of the next stage of improvements.
In addition, a new five- to six-foot sidewalk will run alongside the new northbound Cherry Street to tie into Reynolds Boulevard for pedestrian access into Whitaker Park.
Silas Creek Restoration, Trails, and Pedestrian Bridge
Within The Grounds, the restoration of Upper Silas Creek is the foundation for a connective new community amenity. Intentional environmental work has reshaped degraded stream banks and eliminated decades of severe erosion, setting the stage for greenways and outdoor spaces for the community to enjoy. The new multi-purpose path will weave into that landscape with elements like benches, seat walls, and open grassy areas for an entirely new creek-side gathering place. The trail loop runs one mile, with wide sidewalks and bike-friendly paths to support multimodal transit and uses.
Connecting both sides of the restored creek corridor, the newly constructed pedestrian bridge will link residential, retail, and greenway areas, turning what was once a barrier into a natural focal point and gathering space.
Retail Village Access & Parking
Designed with both event and non-event days in mind, the future Retail & Dining Village will feature multiple access points and thoughtfully integrated parking areas that support walkability while maintaining efficient circulation during larger gatherings. Last year’s redesign of Deacon Boulevard included construction of two new parking lots, as well as on-street parking, for retail and dining patrons at The Grounds, complete with stop signs, crosswalks, and dedicated Village entry points – including the under-construction Deacon Crossing, a cul-de-sac that will serve as a drop-off and short-term parking area.
“Connectivity is about more than roads,” Team added. “It’s about creating an environment where people feel safe walking, gathering, and moving naturally between campus, events, and everyday life.”
Building Toward Fall 2027
These improvements are designed to support the entire multi-phase development of The Grounds, the transformative 100-acre mixed-use development in Winston-Salem’s sports and entertainment district.
Phase I, scheduled to deliver in Fall 2027, includes:
$50 million in infrastructure improvements, including a $35 million state grant
42,000 square feet of experiential retail surrounded by patios and lawns, breaking ground this summer
130,000 square feet of office anchored by Wake Forest University, currently under construction
229-unit multifamily student apartment community, Creekside at The Grounds, currently under construction
22-unit condos above the Retail Village, breaking ground this summer
With construction activity continuing across the site, The Grounds team will provide updates throughout the process to ensure transparency and minimize disruption.
“As we continue laying the groundwork,” Team said, “each improvement brings us closer to creating a year-round gathering place that feels welcoming, connected, and distinctly Winston-Salem.”
For updates and project information, visit visitthegrounds.com.
Rendering shows the view towards The Grounds from the eastern side of the redesigned University Parkway and Cherry Street intersection. Updates include a safer pedestrian crossing with a signal to stop all traffic, a new median space, wide sidewalks, and ample waiting and walking space on either side of the intersection.
BEFORE
AFTER
Maps show current roadway structure and future orientation, with re-engineered intersection, paths and sidewalks, crosswalk, and gated entry into Wake Forest University’s Reynolda Campus at Faculty Drive.
These updates are part of approximately $50 million in infrastructure work as part of The Grounds, including new multi-use pathways and a pedestrian bridge over the newly restored Silas Creek.
Aerial photography taken February 24, 2026 shows the progress of the Silas Creek restoration, installation of the pedestrian bridge over the creek, construction of the multifamily project Creekside at The Grounds, and the multi-use path approaching University Parkway and Cherry Street in the distance. Construction on the re-engineered intersection is set to begin in early March.
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About The Grounds
The Grounds is a transformative 100-acre mixed-use development, led by Atlanta-based Carter and Winston-Salem’s Front Street Capital, in partnership with Wake Forest University and the City of Winston-Salem. The Grounds will be a vibrant hub for Winston-Salem and the Triad region, featuring a pedestrian-friendly retail village, modern residential living, class-A office space, robust infrastructure support, and more. Located near the LJVM Coliseum, Allegacy Stadium, David F. Couch Ballpark, Wake Forest Tennis Center, and the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, The Grounds aims to drive substantial economic growth in Winston-Salem, bolster the city’s status as a leading destination for tourism, sports, and entertainment, and be a vibrant setting for locals and visitors alike to play, work, and thrive. For more information, see VisitTheGrounds.com.
Media Contact:
Jane Duncan
Jane@frontstreetcapital.com
336-243-2600