More Lane Closures Expected On I-40 In Durham

The North Carolina Department of Transportation and Granite Construction continue to blame each other for crumbling concrete along 11 miles of I-40 from the Durham Freeway to U.S.Highway 15/501 and disagree on who should pay for it.

The DOT is trying to learn why 3-inch pavement expansion cuts were only 1-inch deep through much of the project from the Durham Freeway to 15-501.

Contracting crews say they were not given proper instructions and inspectors did not check. The DOT says it is now checking all of its procedures.

"I can tell you there is great concern about how we got to this point in this project," said DOT Division Engineer Jon Nance. "Obviously, now we have the benefit of hindsight, but you learn from that."

Even though some repairs have been made, motorists are driving on crumbling concrete, much of which is in the Durham city limits. Durham city officials are very concerned.

"We weathered that construction storm and I think our folks are frustrated about having to go back through it again, which is why they want to make sure that all steps are taken to minimize any inconvenience," said Durham Transportation Manager Mark Ahrendsen.

WRAL tried contacting Granite Construction, but no one from the company ever returned phone calls.

As for the rest of the construction -- lane closures will come after Thanksgiving, from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m.