Photo courtesy of Lane Construction
Heavy machinery being used includes excavators, bulldozers, hauling trucks, paving equipment, drill rigs, cranes, pump trucks and other construction equipment.
The barrage of orange cones and heavy equipment is a familiar site for motorists who travel the Raleigh Beltline in Wake County, N.C. For almost half a decade, construction crews have been working on the $475 million effort known as the Blue Ridge I-440 Improvement project, taking place on the interstate between just south of Walnut Street in Cary and north of Wade Avenue.
"The I-440 Beltline is a critical link in the Triangle region roadway network," said Cody Winkler, resident engineer of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). "Increasing capacity and making associated improvements at interchanges along this stretch will reduce congestion and resolve the bottleneck issue that exists on either end of the project, improving mobility and safety for drivers in the region."
Photo courtesy of Lane Construction
The redesigned Blue Ridge Road portion of the project will improve traffic flow at the busy junction with Hillsborough Street, Beryl Road and the railroad tracks frequented by both drivers and pedestrians accessing the state fairgrounds, sporting events at PNC Arena and Carter-Finley Stadium and other nearby destinations.
Winkler explained the work, which is needed to improve access and efficiency along the roadway, is going well.
"For this project, we have completed seven of the 12 structures. We are working toward completing the remaining ones. All major storm drainage is complete. The diverging diamond at Western Boulevard and the Wade Avenue interchanges is close to its final patterns.
"For the Blue Ridge/Hillsborough portion of the project, we are currently constructing the foundations for the future railroad structures over Blue Ridge Road. This will persist throughout the year. We are also constructing the southern and northern sections of Blue Ridge Road on either side of the railroad structures."
For the I-440 portion of the project, crews are currently constructing the eastbound travel lanes from I-40 to Western Boulevard, building the I-440 east bound structure over Western Boulevard and transitioning the Wade Avenue interchange into its more permanent pattern.
During Blue Ridge/Hillsborough Street construction, two lanes of traffic are being maintained north of the closure. Motorists are using the signed detour, as well as other known routes, to navigate through the area. Blue Ridge Road is still closed on either side of the railroad tracks just south of Hillsborough Street.
For I-440 construction, two lanes of traffic in each direction are open, with more travel lanes coming. There are detours in place to perform the work, and traffic is being maintained.
Winkler noted the multi-year undertaking has had its share of issues.
"ROW challenges, railroad coordination and major utility challenges have had an impact on the project. All have been addressed, and we are moving forward with construction."
Regarding Blue Ridge/Hillsborough Street construction, railroad structure work is currently being pursued, as well as grading work to lower Blue Ridge Road to its final elevation. For I-440, remaining structures work continues, as well as grading work.
For Blue Ridge/Hillsborough, utility relocations and construction of the connector road from Blue Ridge to Hillsborough have been completed, along with initial railroad construction and initial structure work. Structures, grading, paving, drainage and retaining wall work remain.
Photo courtesy of Lane Construction
For I-440, most of the major structure work is done. Major work along westbound I-440 is finished, along with significant work at the various interchanges. Grading, paving, drainage and structures remain.
In total, crews have moved roughly 345,000 cu. yds. of material on the project. Heavy machinery being used includes excavators, bulldozers, hauling trucks, paving equipment, drill rigs, cranes, pump trucks and other construction equipment.
The most time-consuming part of the work involves maintaining existing traffic patterns, while moving construction forward.
Regarding road closures, said Winkler, "For both projects, at first it took motorists some time to learn the detours, but now it appears most have found their way around the work areas. For U-4437, we have reopened Hillsborough Street in the past six months, allowing traffic to utilize it.
"This project itself is unique with the various aspects of rail and roadway construction. For this and all others there are challenges that come up, but the biggest part is overcoming those challenges to complete them."
The goal of Lane Construction Corporation, general contractor of the project, is to have the work completed by the end of 2025.
"The main challenge is weather cooperating when we're getting traffic shifted and completing the work in a timely manner while keeping in mind stakeholder needs," said Winkler.
It's a long process, but Winkler believes the time invested is well spent.
"This corridor is a vital portion of our roadway network. Eliminating the bottleneck and upgrading the interchanges has major benefits for improving safety and reducing congestion." CEG
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