RALEIGH, N.C. — The state Department of Transportation will open Interstate 40 West to three lanes from west of N.C. 55 to just west of U.S. 15-501 near the Orange County line Friday at 8 p.m.

The I-40 westbound on and off ramps for N.C. 751 will also be opened.

Motorists traveling on I-40 East between N.C. 54 and N.C. 55 will be shifted to the right lane and the outside shoulder beginning on Saturday at 8 p.m., weather permitting.

Motorists can expect heavy delays throughout the night while traffic is being shifted.

As part of the traffic shift, the DOT will temporarily close the on ramp accessing I-40 East from Fayetteville Road at 8 p.m. Sunday.

Motorists needing to access I-40 East from Fayetteville Road are encouraged to take I-40 West to N.C. 751 to I-40 East.

The traffic shift and ramp closure will be in place for about two months and are part of the I-40 widening project.

Work began on the I-40 widening project in early 2002 and is expected to be complete by late 2005.