(Editor's Note: The work, which had been scheduled to occur this weekend, is postponed due to the possibility of severe weather. The original version of this news release follows.)
HILLSBOROUGH- A closure on Interstate 40 East this weekend will allow N.C. Department of Transportation contractors to begin widening and paving operations on a major project in Orange County.
Beginning Friday at midnight, access to I-40 East from the I-85/I-40 split at mile marker 163 near Hillsborough will be closed to traffic. All lanes are scheduled to reopen by 5.a.m. Monday.
All I-40 East traffic will be detoured on I-85 North to I-885 South to I-40 this weekend.
The closure will allow crews from Lane Construction Corporation of Cheshire, Conn., to begin constructing a new eastbound lane in the area of the I-40/I-85 split, and will allow the work to be completed in a safer and more expedient operation.
These operations are a part of the I-40 Widening Project that will improve safety and congestion by widening I-40 to three lanes in each direction.
Drivers are urged to remain cautious, alert and to factor the detour into their weekend trips.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.