Clayton Bypass Ahead of Schedule

Work on the U.S. Highway 70 Bypass around Clayton could be finished as early as mid-July – almost a year ahead of schedule – according to the state Department of Transportation.

The $123.5 million project, which stretches almost 11 miles from Interstate 40 at the Wake-Johnston county line east toward Smithfield, was supposed to be completed by June 2009. A DOT spokesman said good weather has allowed crews to move the expected completion date to July 15.

Work began on the project in June 2005, and it was more than 96 percent complete Tuesday, the spokesman said. When it opens, the highway is expected to speed beach traffic from the Triangle and shorten the daily commute for many Johnston County residents who work in Raleigh, Durham and Research Triangle Park.