CHAPEL HILL (NC DOT NEWS RELEASE) – A proposed project to widen Interstate 40 between the split with I-85 near Hillsborough and the Durham County line is the subject of a public meeting set for next week.
The project would also improve the N.C. 86 exit as well as several hundred feet of N.C. 86 both north and south of the interchange. It also includes some improvements for other interchanges on that stretch of highway.
The interstate would be widened by one lane in each direction. They would be built within the existing median area and bring the highway up to three lanes each way, improving traffic flow along that corridor and helping relieve heavy congestion that develops during commuter times.
It is included in the Durham/Chapel Hill/Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Transportation Plan.
Maps of the proposed improvements are available on the NCDOT Public Meetings Website. This is early in the project development and design process, as construction is set to start in the 2023-24 fiscal year. Because of this, public input is needed now as part of that development process.
The meeting is set for Monday, Nov. 5, from 4-7 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center at 2501 Homestead Road in Chapel Hill. There will not be a formal presentation, so area residents can attend at any time to view enlarged maps of the proposed improvements, talk with project representatives and submit comments. They will be taken into consideration as the planning continues.
The opportunity to submit comments is also available outside of the meeting through Nov. 19. They can be provided to Gene Tarascio of the NCDOT Project Management Unit at gtarascio@ncdot.gov or 919-707-6046 or to Eric Midkiff at emidkiff@calyxengineers.com or 919-858-1820.
The NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in this meeting. Anyone requiring that assistance should contact Lauren Putnam at lnputnam1@ncdot.gov or 919-707-6072 as early as possible.
Persons who have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English may receive interpretive services upon request prior to the meeting by calling 1-800-481-6494
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