MORGANTON – A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation will begin shifting westbound traffic into a new pattern on Interstate 40 at exit 112 in Valdese on Sunday. The move will take place from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and then resume Monday at 8 p.m. and continue until Thursday morning.
Drivers heading west toward Morganton should anticipate delays in this area until the shift is complete early Thursday. Westbound traffic will be moved onto a new bridge that will allow crews to begin construction of the new eastbound bridge as part of a project to replace both bridges at this interchange. Eastbound traffic will not be impacted.
This shift will include temporary closures on Mineral Springs Mountain Road, exit 112, at times. Signs will alert traffic prior to the closure and direct drivers to use the detour at exit 111.
The project to replace these bridges started in summer 2018 and is scheduled to be finished this fall at a cost of $12.3 million.
Motorists are encouraged to pay attention when approaching the work zone, obey the posted speed limit, follow posted detours, and allow extra time to reach their destinations safely.