RALEIGH, N.C. — The state Department of Transportation will temporarily close the westbound Interstate 40 onramps and offramps at Fayetteville Road in Durham County beginning Friday.

The ramps will remain closed for 60 days.

Motorists should use the following signed detours:

The DOT also is closing the westbound I-40 offramp to N.C. 147 (Durham Freeway). It will be closed from 8 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Monday.

Motorists needing to access that route should use the following signed detour:

During this time, N.C. 147 will not be accessible to an from I-40 West. Motorists are also reminded of the I-40 West ramp closings at N.C. 147. The ramps were closed on July 12 and are expected to remain closed for 60 days.

The closures are necessary as part of the I-40 widening project. The department is widening I-40 from four to six lanes and installing concrete median barriers. The 10.6 mile section extends from the Orange County line to the Durham Freeway.

The project is anticipated to complete in late 2005.

Motorists are reminded to obey the posted speed limit of 55 mph and be aware of construction workers in the work zone. Stay alert and and watch signs for construction information.