Weekend work affects Triangle interstates

Crews closed the ramp from I-540 South to I-40 at 9 p.m. Friday. The ramp will stay closed until Monday at 6 a.m.

Crews were creating an additional lane on both I-540 South and I-40 West. The new outer lane will begin on I-540, south of the Pleasant Grove Church Road overpass, and continue onto I-40 West, ending at the Page Road exit.

Officials said the additions should help alleviate frequent rush-hour back-ups in the area.

The work is part of a $7.6 million project, partially funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, known as the federal stimulus act.

During construction, signs will point out a detour that takes motorists on I-540 South onto I-40 in either direction. Motorists will stay on I-540 past I-40, where it becomes N.C. Highway 540. They will then take Exit 69 onto N.C. 54 West toward Chapel Hill and follow N.C. 54 to Miami Boulevard, which leads to I-40.

The entire project is scheduled to be completed by Nov. 15.

The DOT also started work this weekend on Raleigh's Interstate 440 this weekend Friday evening.

I-440 East will be reduced to one lane between the U.S. Highway 64/264 interchange and the I-40 East ramp until 6 a.m. Monday. Motorists are encouraged to use an alternate route to avoid delays.

Crews were resurfacing a 2.5-mile section of I-440 from I-40 to the U.S. 64/264 Bypass. The $3.4 million project is also funded by federal stimulus money.