Drivers: Repaving project makes I-40 stretch dangerous

North Carolina Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Jeff Allen said he has received many calls from drivers about the problem area – which stretches for more than a mile between Harrison Avenue and Interstate 540.

“The calls I have received just say they cannot see the lines,” Allen said.

A repaving project started in the area earlier this year is wrapping up. While the new asphalt is almost completely down, Allen said, reflectors are not in place.

Driver Miguel Suarez said cars come dangerously close to one another at night.

“You are best to just follow the car in front of you,” said driver Mike Peel.

White dotted lines currently mark the lanes. Allen said a bright coating and reflectors are not down yet because another week of work is left on the area.

“If we put them down prior to finishing the paving, we do risk damaging, not only the markers, but the reflectors,” Allen said.

Reflectors will be installed next month at the earliest and the reflective line-coating will be applied in the spring when temperatures are warmer, Allen said.

To help drivers, a fresh coat of regular paint will be put down in the next two to three weeks. DOT officials said recent weather has caused delays in the progress.