If you're planning to navigate Wake County's stretch of I-440 this week, prepare to adjust your late night routes. The N.C. Department of Transportation has announced nightly closures along the interstate for an ongoing widening project. Starting tonight, Jan. 13 through Jan. 15, the westbound lanes of I-440 will be shut down between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., and the following night, Jan. 16, it will be the eastbound lanes’ turn to close during the same hours.
According to the NCDOT release, these closures are necessary to safely allow the construction of a bridge that forms part of the significant interstate expansion. Westbound drivers will detour via Hillsborough Street to Gorman Street and back to Western Boulevard, reconnecting with I-440 West. The department is promising to clearly post detour signs to, hopefully, simplify what could understandably become a pretty congested reroute.
And when the eastbound lanes close on Jan. 16, the detour will practically reverse course - directing traffic to Western Boulevard, then Gorman Street, followed by Hillsborough Street, and finally back onto I-440 East. Motorists are being urged to plan for these disruptions and to expect potential delays.
"Motorists are advised to plan, follow posted detour signs, and expect some delays while traveling through the area," shared the NCDOT in their recent announcement. They also encouraged drivers to remain alert and to exercise caution. These temporary closures and diversions are part of a larger initiative to widen and improve I-440, a route well-traveled by Wake County residents and visitors alike, which has seen an uptick in traffic volume over the years. The state transportation department is committed to minimizing inconvenience and ensuring that the enhancements will ultimately benefit drivers in the long term.
