I-440 project at Blue Ridge Road: Completion delayed until late 2025
WRAL News learned Friday the I-440 and Blue Ridge Road Improvements project is two years behind schedule. It is now expected to be complete in 2025.
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Engineers with the North Carolina Department of Transportation said COVID-19 and supply chain issues during the pandemic are the two biggest reasons for the delays. Drivers told WRAL News they are hopeful the massive project will be worth the wait.
“It’s definitely a lot different than it used to be, that’s for sure," said Todd Hixon, who drives the route frequently. “It’s frustrating figuring out the new interchanges, especially Wade Avenue, but it’s frustrating when it seems like it could’ve been done a little quicker.”
According to the NCDOT, crews have moved 435,000 cubic yards of dirt in the area since the project began, which equates to over 40,000 dump truck loads.
Engineers with the NCDOT said there’s much more to be done, including building multiple new bridges and traffic pattern changes.
The project was originally slated to cost around $360 million, but the number could rise. The NCDOT won’t have a final cost until closer to the project's completion date, which is currently set for fall of 2025.
The completion date is two years behind schedule thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues and weather conditions.
“It gets a little frustrating at times, but with construction comes progress," Hixon said.
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