Fortifyproject crews have begun to reduce the roadway from five lanes to four on the I-40/440 split to Hammond Road, and from four lanes to three from Hammond Road to Lake Wheeler Road.
"This is the busiest part of the roadway. This will be the most impactful when we come down to a three-lane pattern in these sections," said Mike Charbonneau, spokesman for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. "So as parents are planning ahead to go back to school, we want to make sure that they're also planning to the possible impact to their commute."
Charbonneau says motorists should expect a 30-minute delay in this construction area.
"On a day where we have rain or an accident or a breakdown in the project zone, the impact could be even greater," he said. "So it's really important that people plan ahead now and check our web site. Check the traffic conditions before you leave the house each morning."
Charbonneau says traffic updates and route alternatives are available on the Fortify project web site.