MORRISVILLE, N.C. — The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority is nearing completion on improvements to the I-40/Aviation Parkway interchange.

The changes are expected to bring much-needed relief to Triangle-area drivers by significantly decreasing congestion on Aviation Parkway and improving traffic flow to and from Interstate 40.

Weather permitting, the major improvements will be completed in time for the Monday morning commute.

The changes include a loop ramp from Aviation Parkway onto I-40. Currently, drivers traveling from the airport to eastbound I-40 must turn left onto the interstate, often causing backups on Aviation Parkway.

The airport also has added a free flowing right-turn lane from I-40 westbound onto northbound Aviation Parkway. The additional lane will benefit airport-bound passengers and daily commuters alike.

Electronic signs will advise drivers of the new traffic patterns.

The Airport Authority voted last year to fund the nearly $2 million project to ensure easy access for passengers traveling to and from the airport.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation identified the interchange as a choke point but had not placed it on a calendar of transportation improvements. The Authority recognized that traffic at the interchange would only increase and approached the DOT for permission to complete the project.