Test measures Clayton Bypass as I-40 alternate

CLAYTON -- The N.C. Department of Transportation has announced a test project starting Sunday to improve conditions for morning commuters using the Clayton Bypass to merge onto Interstate-40.

The project will shift I-40 traffic one lane to the right, eliminating the third lane that motorists coming off the bypass have been using to pass backed up traffic during heavy-volume times. Motorists merging back into the two-lane traffic toward Cary and Raleigh creates additional delays.

An average of 4,100 vehicles per day travel on this stretch of I-40 West during the weekday morning commute, with 1,000 vehicles using the Clayton Bypass ramp during that same time.

The DOT will monitor traffic patterns during several weeks to determine if this change improves traffic flow. The department will then decide whether to keep the traffic pattern or return it to its original setup.

Message signs will be placed along the bypass and I-40 West to alert drivers to the upcoming change. On Sunday, crews will place orange barrels on the I-40 West and re-stripe the highway to direct the change in traffic.