North Carolina's I-440 work almost done

North Carolina Department of Transportation crews almost have finished work on Interstate 440 and will soon begin working on I-40, all of which are part of its Fortify Rebuild Project.

Depending on the weather, I-440 West’s final resurfacing will be completed this week. After it is completed, the I-440 East’s third lane will open again by the beginning of May. This allows the interstate to return to full working order. Construction crews will use nightly lane closures to finish the final paving needed on I-440 East.

Once the I-440 project is complete, crews will move on to I-40, which means more congestion for daily commuters. Traffic analysts estimate that commuters should add an average of approximately 30 minutes to their commute in each direction. Accidents, disabled vehicles and bad weather may make the delay even more significant.

Depending on the weather in early May, I-40 West traffic should regain its regular patterns between US 1 and Lake Wheeler Road.

Bridge work will begin on I-40 West at Hammond Road this week. More bridge work also will start on I-40 East and West at Gorman Street and Norfolk South Railroad.

Additional grading and paving will continue through all of the sections dedicated to the Fortify Rebuild Project.

Community leaders have asked drivers to be extra careful as they make their daily commutes. A fine of an additional $250 will be added to any speeding violations in the work areas for the sake of the safety of other drivers and the construction crew.