Beware lane shift coming at I-40 and US 15-501

Starting Monday, crews are changing the lane configuration on Interstate 40 heading from Durham into Chapel Hill.

Traffic on the three lanes of westbound I-40 squeezes to two lanes just past U.S. Highway 15-501.

This week's change won't add any lanes.

But instead of the left lane ending and traffic having to merge, the right lane will become an exit-only lane for 15-501.

So, if you stay in the left and center lanes, you won't have to move over once you get to the Durham-Orange county line.

There will be some overnight lane closures this week to make the changes.

The DOT is planning a widening project along I-40 from the county line to I-85 in Hillsborough.

Work begins next year and should be finished in 2025.

When its done, Interstate 40 will be three lanes in both directions.