Attention all night owls and early birds using Interstate 440: your usual path might just be a bit bumpier than usual tonight. A utility contractor has scheduled some overnight work that's going to result in slow rolling closures in both directions near Melbourne Road. This bit of infrastructural housekeeping is all geared towards pulling utility lines across the freeway, which, let's face it, is not a task you do with a quick flick of a switch.
Per a release from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, these closures will unfold in the shadows of midnight, stretching from those witching hours until 4 a.m. Traffic will be impacted, and not in a maybe it'll slow down a bit kind of way. It's forecasted to be a significant bottleneck. This is prime time for anyone clocking in for an early shift or maybe clocking out late to plan accordingly. Taking a detour could save a ton of time—and a lot of brake tapping—according to the release. Drivers are encouraged to keep their wits about them and, of course, to stay updated on local traffic conditions.
Now, if your GPS is setting you stubbornly on a path through I-440 tonight, you might want to override its insistence. Thinking ahead and opting for an alternate route could be your key to sidestepping the entire slow roll spectacle. And let's not forget those who live by the mantra better late than never. In this case, leaving a little later might mean arriving a whole lot sooner, and without the added stress of navigating through a work zone. You can always find more details and traffic updates at the NCDOT website.
