Expect delays 2 nights on I-40

RALEIGH -- A project to widen Interstate 40 in West Raleigh will require a short detour late tonight for westbound I-40 drivers at the N.C.54 (Exit 290) interchange, the state Department of Transportation says.

A similar detour is planned Thursday night for eastbound I-40 traffic.

The traffic changes are needed for construction of twin overhead conveyor belts that will carry stone and asphalt from the shoulders of I-40 to the median, where the new lanes will be added.

The conveyors are expected to eliminate 12,000 dump truck trips and 237 lane closings that otherwise would be needed to transport construction materials to the median.

What to expect

Starting at midnight, drivers in both lanes of westbound I-40 will be routed onto the N.C. 54 off-ramp to cross N.C.54 and continue down the on-ramp onto I-40. All lanes are expected to reopen by 5 a.m. Thursday.

Eastbound I-40 drivers will make the same side trip at the N.C. 54 exit starting at midnight Thursday.

Starts at 9 tonight

The work also will affect drivers trying to get onto I-40 from N.C. 54. Starting at 9 tonight, the on ramp from northbound N.C. 54 to westbound I-40 will be closed, and drivers will be directed to use the ramp from southbound N.C. 54.

David B. Moore, a DOT engineer overseeing the I-40 project, said the overhead conveyor belts will be enclosed to protect motorists against any risk of falling debris.