Public Meetings Scheduled To Discuss I-40 Congestion

Widening overpasses and ramps and adding turn lanes at three choke-point interchanges could ease congestion on Interstate 40. But not for long.

A state report shows that fixes would be cheap and quick, but the effects would be lost within five to ten years as traffic on I-40 continues to climb.

And there is no money yet budgeted to make most of the improvements, which are in the million to $5 million range.

State traffic engineers are studying I-40 congestion and considering carpool and bus lanes between Hillsborough and Johnston County. The state will hold public meetings this week in Cary, Durham and Research Triangle Park to discuss the study and answer questions.

The Department of Transportation is deciding what kind of high-occupancy vehicle lanes would best be suited for I-40 and where the lanes should be built first.

The study is expected to be finished in May.

The DOT is sponsoring meetings across the Triangle to gather public reaction to I-40 congestion:

Tues. December 11: 5-8 p.m.

Herald Sun Newspaper Civic Room, Pickett Road, Durham

Wed., December 12: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

IBM Fitness Center, Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park