RALEIGH – Crews are preparing to install the first of several long-term closures near intersection of
Blue Ridge Road and Hillsborough Street to begin work on a grade separation at the junction.
At the conclusion of the N.C. State Fair late Sunday night, barricades will be installed on Blue Ridge Road on either side of the railroad tracks just south of Hillsborough Street. Monday morning traffic will be detoured to follow Hillsborough Street and Western Boulevard to access points on either side of the closure. The southbound detour includes a brief turnaround on Jones Franklin Road.
The Blue Ridge Road closure will be in place and expand further away from the railroad tracks through the time it is expected to be lifted, in fall 2024. Hillsborough Street is also scheduled to close at Blue Ridge Road for several months starting in early 2023. There will be a new connector road that will be in place linking Hillsborough Street and Blue Ridge Road.
Once complete, Blue Ridge Road will pass underneath Hillsborough Street, the railroad tracks and Beryl Road.
This project will make this busy intersection safer for all people who use it in their daily commutes or to access special events like the State Fair and games at Carter Finley Stadium and PNC Arena.
Drivers are urged to plan ahead for the detour and be mindful of construction crews working close to the travel lanes in this area.