RALEIGH — N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews plan to change the traffic pattern at the Western Boulevard interchange as a part of the Interstate 440 Improvements Project.
At 5 a.m. Thursday, the exit loop from I-440 West to eastbound Western Boulevard (Exit 2A) will permanently close. Upon closure, the current Exit 2B will change to Exit 2 and all traffic from I-440 West wishing to access Western Boulevard will use Exit 2.
A new spur has been built near the top of the existing ramp and will allow drivers to turn left in addition to turning right as they do now.
The ramp from westbound Western Boulevard to I-440 East will close at midnight Thursday as crews finish preparations to shift traffic onto a new ramp by 5 a.m.
A detour will send drivers to I-440 West and Melbourne Road to turn around and access I-440 East.
Both changes are being made as the interchange is being converted to a diverging diamond interchange. This conversion is expected to be complete in November.
Motorists need to pay attention near this work zone and anticipate needing extra time for the detour.