GARNER – Starting Wednesday, there will be slow-rolling roadblocks affecting all lanes of I-40 East just past Exit 306 for the next several days.
The slow-rolling roadblocks will begin about 2:30 p.m. each day by safely reducing all eastbound traffic to around 25 mph; drivers will be guided by several pilot vehicles with flashing amber lights. In addition, message boards along this stretch of I-40 will alert people of the temporary change in traffic.
The eastbound traffic under the slow-rolling roadblocks will be released near mile marker 311, where drivers may safely resume normal speeds.
This operation is needed to safely allow a developer to do blasting work on private property adjacent to I-40 near the Wake-Johnston county border.
Officials with the N.C. Department of Transportation have approved the company's plans to utilize its contract forces to perform the slow-moving roadblock, which is needed in case any blast debris lands in the roadway.
The slow-rolling roadblocks are intended to create a long enough gap in traffic on I-40 East near mile marker 311 to perform the blasting work for the private development.
During this time, the company's crews also will have simultaneous rolling roadblocks affecting the on ramps to I-40 East from N.C. 540 at Exit 310 and I-42 at Exit 309.
These operations will not affect any traffic going west (toward Raleigh) on I-40.
The company may need to do blasting for up to 11 straight days, so drivers should be prepared to slow down and be alert when encountering a slow-moving roadblock every day beginning about 2:30 p.m. and lasting until about 3 p.m. from March 11-22.