RALEIGH - The North Carolina Turnpike Authority is continuing construction of the southern portion of the Complete 540 Project, which will extend the Triangle Expressway (Toll N.C. 540) from N.C. 55 Bypass to Interstate 40.
The northbound lanes of the N.C. 55 Bypass are scheduled to temporarily close to traffic overnight on or around the nights of March 25 through March 27. The northbound lanes of the N.C. 55 Bypass between Old Smithfield Road and East Williams Street will close each night from 9:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. the following morning. The ramp connection from Toll N.C. 540 East to the northbound lanes of the N.C. 55 Bypass, and the loop connection from the northbound lanes of the N.C. 55 Bypass to Toll N.C. 540 West will also temporarily close during this time.
Drivers wishing to access Toll N.C. 540 West from the northbound lanes of the N.C. 55 Bypass will use the following detour route:
- Drive north on N.C. 55 Bypass
- Turn right onto Old Smithfield Road
- Turn left onto East Williams Street
- Turn left onto N.C. 55 Bypass
- Take the ramp connection from the southbound lanes of the N.C. 55 Bypass to Toll N.C. 540 West
Drivers traveling eastbound on Toll N.C. 540 wishing to access N.C. 55 North will use the following detour route:
- Drive east on Toll N.C. 540
- Take the exit ramp from Toll N.C. 540 East onto the southbound lanes of the N.C. 55 Bypass
- Make a U-Turn on N.C. 55 Bypass
- Turn right onto Old Smithfield Road
- Turn left onto East Williams Street
- Turn right onto N.C. 55 Bypass to continue travelling north
Drivers south of the closure wishing to access the northbound lanes of the N.C. 55 Bypass north of the closure will use the following detour route:
- Drive north on N.C. 55 Bypass
- Turn right onto Old Smithfield Road
- Turn left onto East Williams Street
- Turn right onto N.C. 55 Bypass to continue travelling north
The temporary overnight closures and associated detour are weather dependent. Signage will be in place directing motorists through the detour route. Drivers should slow down and pay extra attention when navigating the detour route.