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DOT Engineers Optimistic About I-40 Widening

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RALEIGH — After a short rain-delay, construction is underway on one of the Triangle's busiest roadways. Work started Tuesday night to widen I-40 from the Harrison Avenue exit to I-540.

So far workers feel fired up and ready to go, despite the fact most of the paving with take place overnight. Within about two weeks, some work on the medians will go on during the daytime. Even though no lanes are closed until after dark, it could still prove a distraction to drivers.

Odds are the project will cause a temporary inconvenience to commuters. Engineers say the road widening project should wrap up in late August. We know it doesn't always turn out that way.

DOT Engineer Brian Harrington says the goal is to get it done on time-- by August. But he admits things happen to delay projects, such as weather.

However long it takes, Highway Patrol officers warn drivers to keep their guard up. Trooper M.C. Morris blames following too close for many accidents in construction zones, as well as speeding and blind spots.

If you're caught speeding in a work zone, you face a between $180-230 in automatic fines.

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