RALEIGH, N.C. -- The N.C. Department of Transportation says it is pausing most road construction projects over the Memorial Day weekend.
Projects along interstate, N.C., and U.S. routes from 6 a.m. Friday, May 25 until 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 29 will be suspended for smoother travel.
There will be some exceptions, including:
- I-85 will have two of four lanes closed nightly between Exit 173 (Cole Mill Road) and Exit 178 (U.S. 70);
- I-85 between Henderson and the Virginia state line will continue to have traffic in a two-lane, two-way pattern;
- I-40 westbound near Mocksville will continue to have its right lane closed for paving and patching between mile markers 173 and 168;
- Construction lanes will still be narrowed on I-77 near Mooresville from Exit 36 to Exit 11 going both directions;
- U.S. 421 will have two of four lanes closed in both directions near Wilkesboro;
- Cape Fear Memorial Bridge electrical and mechanical repairs will continue in Wilmington and one of two lanes will be closed for both directions of travel;
- I-26 will have a lane closed in both directions between mile markers 12 and 18 near Weaverville; and
- U.S. 74 near Columbus will have lanes closed in both directions between mile markers 168 and 174.
For drivers heading to West Virginia via I-77, an extensive paving project in that state near the Virginia border may cause major traffic delays in both directions near the East River Mountain Tunnel.
The NCDOT provides these tips for safe Memorial Day Weekend travel:
- Leave early and travel at non-peak hours when possible.
- Stay alert. You may encounter narrowed lanes and traffic shifts.
- Be patient and obey the speed limit.
- Use alternate routes when possible.
- Get real-time travel information by calling 511.
- Drive at times when you are normally awake - don't drive drowsy.
- Be aware. The annual Memorial Day Click It or Ticket campaign is underway. Troopers are looking for drivers and passengers not using their seat belts.
► Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the WFMY News 2 App: Apple Users, Android Users
