RALEIGH - An N.C. Department of Transportation project to improve the intersection of U.S. 401 and Simpkins Road near the Raleigh-Garner line will result in a week-long closure of the U.S. 401 North left-turn lane at the intersection, starting Monday, Oct. 21.
The closure is needed so the contractor can safely move the location of a concrete median island to accommodate an extended left turn lane that will be built. The turn lane is expected to be open again by Monday, Oct. 28.
The project also calls for adding a right-turn lane on U.S. 401 South and some traffic signal upgrades.
The project is expected to improve the traffic flow at the intersection, especially during the heavily-traveled morning and evening rush hours. The new alignment should be in place by Nov. 12.
Simpkins Road between 7 and 9 a.m., and 3 and 7 p.m.
Lane closures are possible outside of those hours, so NCDOT reminds motorists to watch for signs with construction information, stay alert and obey the posted speed limit. Updated travel information is also available by calling 511 or online at www.ncdot.gov/travel. In addition, NCDOT now offers travel information on Twitter.