NCDOT: Slow down in constantly changing Fortify work zone

North Carolina Department of Transportation officials are urging drivers to slow down in the Fortify work zone in south Raleigh as multiple lane shifts are continuing to take place along 8.5 miles of Interstate 40.

The latest lane shift was completed early Wednesday when crews shifted traffic to the newly paved inside lanes of I-40 West between South Saunders Street and Lake Wheeler Road.

The new lanes now connect with earlier shifts that took place between Lake Wheeler and Avent Ferry roads.

It gives workers needed space so they can begin tearing up and rebuilding the outside lanes of the highway.

NCDOT spokesman Steve Abbott says the freshly paved lanes are leading to a dangerous trend for some drivers.

"The newly paved lanes are leading people to speed even faster, and most of the accidents in the Fortify zone are due to speeding," Abbott said.

Recent early morning wrecks in the work zone have resulted in huge delays and caused major headaches during morning commute hours.

More lane shifts are expected in the coming weeks for eastbound and westbound lanes of I-40 in the work zone.

The new pattern will be in place by early fall, and all of the lanes should reopen next spring, officials say.