
The I-40 widening project includes 13 miles of roadway that serves communities in both Wake and Johnston Counties in North Carolina. This section of the project connects the region to I-95 and is also a primary route to coastal destinations in the state. The purpose of this widening project is to improve I-40 from I-440/US 64 (Exit 301) to just north of SR 1525 (Cornwallis Road). This also includes improvements to NC 42 and SR 1010 (Cleveland Road).
The traffic in this area is projected to increase over 60% in the next 20 years, which would worsen the congestion and frequent delays that occur due to the high volume of vehicles, especially during rush hour around the I-40/NC 42 interchange. Once the project is complete, it will help to reduce the congestion on I-40, improve access to and from I-40, I-440, and six interchanges, including US 70 Business, US 70 Bypass, and NC-42. Another way that this project will greatly alleviate traffic congestion in the area is by incorporating a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at NC 42.