Top Level of Raleigh City Hall Parking Deck Closed Until Further Notice

Due to inclement weather and the potential for unsafe conditions, the top floor of the City Hall Parking Deck remains closed until further notice," the City of Raleigh said, noting the closure was first posted January 28, 2026 and updated January 29, 2026. The restriction applies to the highest tier of the City Hall facility and will stay in place while officials monitor weather and safety conditions.

The closure removes a significant amount of downtown parking capacity immediately adjacent to City Hall. The City advised drivers that "The two closest parking decks to City Hall are the Wilmington Street Parking Deck and the Moore Square Parking Deck," and urged motorists to use any convenient downtown deck. Hoodline said the action reflected a "severe weather risk" and warned that "Visitors to City Hall who drive may find themselves in a bit of a bind, given that the deck might be packed to the gills on busier days," underscoring possible congestion at nearby garages.

Raleigh drivers have several alternatives. The Wilmington Street Station Deck at 117 S Wilmington St and the Moore Square Deck are the nearest city-owned options. The City of Raleigh and the Downtown Raleigh Alliance both maintain maps of public and private parking options across downtown; the Downtown Raleigh Alliance also lists participating decks in the City’s 2-hour free parking program. City-owned decks that participate in the free, 2-hour program are Blount Street Deck, City Center Deck, Moore Square Deck, Municipal Building Deck, and Wilmington Street Station Deck. Drivers may redeem free two-hour parking once per day at one of those five locations. Blount Street Deck is open to the public only after 7 a.m. and requires vehicles to exit before 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; weekend public parking is not available at that location. The program is not honored at privately owned decks and is suspended when special event rates apply.

Other downtown facilities with available spaces include Quorum Center Garage at 323 W Jones St, Raleigh Crossing Parking Deck at 301 Hillsborough St, Smoky Hollow Parking Deck at 500 N West St, the State Government Parking Deck (West) at 329 N McDowell St, Two Glenwood Deck (Tower 1) at 603 W Morgan St, Two Hannover Square Deck at 415 Gale St, Wake County Parking Deck at 216 W Cabarrus St, and the West Deck at Bloc (Tower 2) at 701 Hillsborough St.

State-operated visitor lots for those visiting state facilities remain an option. Visitor Lot 1 (Lot 18) sits along Wilmington Street between Jones and Edenton streets; Deck 75 is at 333 N Salisbury Street; Deck 77 is at the corner of Edenton and McDowell streets; and Visitor Lot 4 is at the corner of Polk and North Wilmington streets. For large group bus parking, state instructions direct buses and 15-passenger vans to the lot at Blount and Edenton streets, with chaperones advised to use hourly visitor lots. State visitor passes for government visitors require requests at least three business days in advance. Posted payment rules show the first 15 minutes free, the first hour $2, each additional hour $2, lost ticket $16, and payment by cash or credit card only; rates do not apply to visitor parking after 5 p.m. weekdays or at any time on weekends.

City officials asked for patience and cooperation as crews and transportation staff track evolving conditions. "We understand this closure may be an inconvenience, and we truly appreciate your patience and cooperation as we prioritize everyone’s safety. This plan will remain in place until further notice, and as weather conditions evolve, we will continue to provide updates," the City said. For questions or assistance, contact Raleigh Parking at 919-996-3996 or email transportation@raleighnc.gov. Thank you for your understanding and support.

For residents and visitors, the immediate implication is greater pressure on nearby decks and a need to plan extra time for trips to City Hall and downtown destinations. Expect congestion on busy days, use participating decks when eligible for the free two-hour program, and monitor City of Raleigh updates for when the top tier will reopen.