Greensboro sets South Elm pedestrian plaza pilot

Greensboro is preparing to test a new downtown traffic and public-space pattern on South Elm Street.

The city announced on Friday, July 24, 2026, that the South Elm Pedestrian Plaza pilot will begin in early August. Starting Friday, August 7, Elm Street from Market Street to February One Place and from Washington Street to Bain Street is scheduled to close to vehicle traffic every weekend from 5 p.m. Friday through 5 p.m. Sunday. Greensboro says all cross streets will remain open.

A separate continuous closure is planned for the 200 block of Elm Street, from February One Place to Washington Street, from Monday, August 3, through Sunday, November 1, 2026. The city says the block will be used for seating, dining, games, live music, art, lighting upgrades and other programmed activity tied to downtown revitalization.

• Parking note: The Greene Street and February One parking decks will be free on weekends for the first month of the pilot.
• Transit note: The Hopper Trolley will offer another free way to reach the area.
• Public safety: Greensboro Police plan targeted foot patrols and weekly check-ins with downtown businesses.

The city says the pilot is meant to create a more pedestrian-friendly downtown, reduce traffic noise and collect feedback from businesses and visitors before future decisions are made.

Source: Reporting based on the City of Greensboro's July 24, 2026 City News release, South Elm Street Pedestrian Plaza, checked July 24, 2026.