RALEIGH – Work that is part of the project to improve Interstate 40 between I-440 (Exit 301) in Raleigh and north of Cornwallis Road, including improvements to N.C. 42 and Cleveland Road, requires a lane drop on the U.S. 70 Business ramp onto westbound I-40.
Normally there are two ramp lanes to bring traffic from U.S. 70 Business onto westbound I-40, however, the contractor needs room so it can safely do the construction work and keep three lanes of traffic open on I-40.
The lane drop has all the usual pavement markings and signs to alert motorists to the traffic pattern change on the ramp and will remain in place until the completion of the construction work in that area.
The project got under way in November with paving work and traffic shifts to prepare for construction. The state plans to add two lanes in each direction to a nearly 12-mile stretch of I-40 between the merge with I-440 on the south side of Raleigh and N.C. 42 in Johnston County.
The project will also redesign the I-40 interchange with N.C. 42, with a new ramp alignment and traffic pattern. The expanded interchange is expected to alleviate heavy traffic conditions that currently exist at the exit.
Intermittent speed limit reductions will be in effect in portions where crews may be working. The speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph in these sections and will be indicated by electronic-display speed-limit signs. Motorists are reminded to pay attention to traffic patterns and avoid tailgating when traveling through the work zone.
For updates as the project progresses, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on Twitter for real-time travel information.