Big news for Raleigh drivers: there's a long-awaited upgrade coming to N.C. 42. The stretch between Mary Hobby Road and just past Winterton Drive will be getting an extra center lane. Commuters can also look forward to an additional eastbound left turn lane at Sauls Road, which is part of a plan to streamline the notorious rush-hour traffic, as reported by the N.C. Department of Transportation.
Not only will this mean smoother rides but better infrastructure – we're talking drainage improvements, new paving, grading, and a shiny new culvert. All this is happening courtesy of a cozy $4.5 million contract that was recently secured with Cardinal Civil Contracting LLC, a company well-acquainted with the hustle of construction, crews are slated to roll out the orange cones come spring 2025, with the aim to wrap up, sans greenery, by late spring the following year, said a statement on N.C. Department of Transportation website.
But brace yourselves, because with progress comes pain – lane closures are on the menu, and they come with a side of delays and detours, as the work zones become a temporary fixture. Officials haven't dropped the full details yet, but they promise to dish out updates through DriveNC.gov before the construction kicks into full gear. Just a heads up for those who frequent the increasingly congested beltway – your commutes may get a bit bumpier before they get better.
If you're dreading the inevitable snarl-ups, you aren't alone, but the Department promises that it will be worth the temporary inconvenience for a much smoother and more efficient driving experience in the long-term. Stay tuned on DriveNC.gov for the latest traffic advisories because once the crews descend, getting around might get tricky for a spell. Together, let's navigate the roadwork and look forward to freer-flowing traffic on the other side.
