Winston-Salem Council Rejects Spring Street Closure

The city council voted unanimously to keep a section of Spring Street open to traffic near Salem Christian School.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in City Hall

Isometric editorial illustration of a city street intersection with clean, flat geometric surfaces, representing urban planning policy decisions. — The Winston-Salem City Council voted unanimously to keep a section of Spring Street open following resident opposition to a requested permanent closure. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local schools be permitted to close public streets to manage traffic and student safety?

The Winston-Salem City Council voted 8-0 to reject a proposal by Salem Christian School to permanently close a section of Spring Street to public traffic. The school sought the closure citing student safety concerns, but faced significant opposition from local residents.

Why it matters

The decision keeps the thoroughfare open after neighbors voiced concerns about being excluded from the planning process and feared the closure would displace traffic onto nearby residential streets. School officials stated the closure was intended to protect the 500 students who frequently cross the road during the day.

The council voted 8-0 to deny the closure request after the school initially sought the change in January 2026. Data shows 50 to 60 students cross the street every 30 minutes, necessitating ongoing discussions between the school and local residents.

The players

Winston-Salem City Council

This local government body is responsible for managing municipal infrastructure and land-use policies within the city of Winston-Salem.

Salem Christian School

This educational institution, which has served the area for 75 years, requested the street closure to improve the safety of its 500 students.

Salem Baptist Church

This religious organization shares a campus with the school and maintains property ownership along the section of Spring Street in question.

The details

Salem Christian School and the adjacent Salem Baptist Church requested the closure to address traffic speed and student safety. Neighbors organized and contacted council members to oppose the measure, highlighting the impact on residential traffic flow.

2018: Broad Street exit from Salem Parkway closed.
January 2026: Salem Christian School requested the street closure.
October 5, 2026: The city council delayed the vote on the proposal.
October 15, 2026: Residents sent an official letter to council members.
October 19, 2026: City council voted 8-0 to reject the street closure.

Political Context

The council's decision follows a pattern set by the Winston-Salem city zoning and public access ordinances by prioritizing public thoroughfare access over private institutional requests. Opposition groups argued that the request failed to account for community-wide transport impacts.

Residents of the West Salem area will see no change to current traffic patterns, as Spring Street remains open to all public vehicles. The council's refusal ensures that local drivers will not face the expected traffic burdens on alternative residential streets.

The takeaway

The decision underscores the importance of transparent communication between private institutions and surrounding neighborhoods when proposing infrastructure changes. Residents are encouraged to remain involved in city planning processes to ensure their concerns regarding traffic and safety are addressed early.