Major Change Coming Late this Week for Motorists Using Saunders Street Exit on I-40 West in Fortify Work Zone


Raleigh-Motorists on I-40 West who use the South Saunders Street/U.S. 70/401/N.C. 50 exit (No. 298) in the Fortify project will see a major change in the exit traffic pattern starting late this week.

Weather permitting, on Friday night, May 8, the ramp for exit 298-A, which puts traffic on southbound South Saunders Street/U.S. 70/401/N.C. 50, will be closed for several months. This will allow crews to safely do bridge and interchange work along I-40 at that location.

The change means motorists for both north and southbound South Saunders Street/ U.S. 70/401/N.C. 50 will exit at 298-B, then turn right or left at the traffic light at the bottom of the ramp.

Drivers are urged to use caution as they get used to the new pattern. Message signs alerting motorists about the change are located along I-40 West.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Fortify project is the removal and replacement of an 11.5-mile stretch of I-40 and I-440 because of the crumbling of the substructure of the highways.

The initial phase replaces the I-440 roadway between the I-40/440/U.S. 64 split and just north of the U.S. 64/264 Knightdale Bypass will be completed in early May. Once complete, I-440 in both directions will be at full capacity. That means phased construction work on the 8.5-mile stretch of I-40 will increase in the coming weeks.

The entire project is expected to be completed by Fall 2016.

Because of the traffic impact of the project, NCDOT has a Fortify website that provides comprehensive information, including alternate transit options, project maps and links to live traffic cameras. Employers can also access online resources to help them develop and implement a flexible work program. The site includes links to Twitter, Facebook and other social media to stay engaged with NCDOT and other commuters.