WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — It has been a long and dusty haul for motorists along Edwards Mill Road. State Department of Transportation crews are building a direct route from north Raleigh and Crabtree Valley Mall to Wade Avenue and Interstate 40.

Work started about two years ago on the first phase from the mall to Duraleigh Road. Work started about one year ago on the Edwards Mill extension from Duraleigh Road at Old Raleigh Village to Wade Avenue.

DOT officials claim the work is behind schedule and they have been working on it two years. Residents like Bill Moore who live near the construction on the ground are mad about it.

"Everybody along this road here is upset. Why don't they just build it?" he said.

DOT officials said their contractor, Ray Construction, has fallen behind due to weather, utility problems and work on other jobs. Moore said that is no solace to him since he has to see the worksite in his front yard.

"They haven't worked on this road for any length of time in the last six to eight weeks. Some days, you come out and see a whole bunch of them around and a couple hours later, they're gone," he said.

DOT officials said they have met with the contractor and they have come up with a plan to finish the work sooner.