HILLSBOROUGH – The public is invited to offer feedback this week on plans to widen Interstate 40 and improve its interchange at N.C. 86 in Orange County.
The N.C. Department of Transportation plans to widen I-40 to between I-85 and the Durham County line, and rework the N.C. 86 exit near Chapel Hill as part of the project. The project would bring I-40 to three lanes in each direction throughout the 11.4-mile stretch by adding one lane in each direction within the existing median area. It will improve traffic flow along that corridor and help relieve heavy congestion that develops during commuter times.
The widening project is included in the Durham/Chapel Hill/Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization's Transportation Plan.
More information about the project, including maps of two proposed options, is available on the NCDOT public meeting webpage.
The public meeting was initially planned for Nov. 5 in Chapel Hill, but a water main break forced the meeting to be postponed. This week's meeting is set for Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the Passmore Center-Great Hall, at 103 Meadowlands Drive in Hillsborough.
Project team members will be present to answer questions and hear public comments that will be considered as the proposed project develops. Comments can also be submitted by phone, email or mail by Feb. 8.
For more information, contact NCDOT Project Manager Gene Tarascio at 919-707-6046 or gtarascio@ncdot.gov, or consultant Project Manager Eric Midkiff at 919-858-1820 or emidkiff@calyxengineers.com.
NCDOT will provide auxiliary aid and services to any disabled person who wants to attend the meeting. Anyone requiring special services should contact Lauren Putnam at 919-707-6072 or lnputnam1@ncdot.gov to make arrangements as early as possible.
People who do not speak English or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English can request interpretive services prior to the meeting by calling 1-800-481-6494.