Interstate 40 in North Carolina: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia
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*{{Jct|state=NC|I|73|I|840|US|421}} in [[Greensboro, North Carolina|Greensboro]]
*{{Jct|state=NC|I|85}} in [[Hillsborough, North Carolina|Hillsborough]]
*{{Jct|state=NC|I|540|NC|540}} near Durham▼
*{{Jct|state=NC|I|440|US|1|US|64}} in [[Raleigh, North Carolina|Raleigh]]
*{{Jct|state=NC|I|87|I|440|US|64}} in Raleigh
▲*{{Jct|state=NC|I|54042|NC-Toll|540}} near Durham[[Garner, North Carolina|Garner]]
*{{Jct|state=NC|I|95}} near [[Benson, North Carolina|Benson]]
*{{Jct|state=NC|I|140|NC|140}} in [[Murraysville, North Carolina|Murraysville]]
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==Route description==
I-40 travels through severalall of the diverse regions in North Carolina,.<ref>{{Cite includingweb the|last=Hadley [[Greatand SmokyGoldsmith Mountains|Great Smoky]]first=Jarvis and [[BlackRichard Mountains|title=Geology (Northof Carolina)|Black]]the mountainsEastern ofGreat WesternSmoky Mountains North Carolina, theand ruralTennessee [[Foothills|url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/0349b/report.pdf (North|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615211640/https://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/0349b/report.pdf Carolina)|Foothills]]archive-date=June 15, the2022 suburban|access-date=July and30, urban2024 [[Piedmont|website=pubs.usgs.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite (Unitedweb States)|last=Piedmont]], andTriad Regional Council |title=About the farmlandsRegion of|url=https://www.ptrc.org/about/about-the-region [[Eastern|access-date=July North30, Carolina]]2024 |website=www.ptrc.org}}</ref> [[Annual average daily traffic]] counts along the Interstate varies,in with2023 itreached ranginga frompeak as littleof as 15193,000099 vehicles throughper [[Duplinday County,from NorthHarrison Carolina|Duplin]]Avenue and(exit Pender counties,287) to as[[Wade muchAvenue]] asin 192,000 through the Research Triangle regionRaleigh.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |lasttitle=NorthTransportation CarolinaData DepartmentManagement of TransportationSystem |dateurl=April 17, 2024https://ncdot.public.ms2soft.com/tcds/tsearch.asp?loc=Ncdot&mod=TCDS |titleurl-status=Interstate Traffic Volumeslive |archive-url=https://connectweb.ncdotarchive.govorg/resourcesweb/State-Mapping20230618140559/Documentshttps:/NCDOT2016InterstateFreewayReport/ncdot.pdfpublic.ms2soft.com/tcds/tsearch.asp?loc=Ncdot&mod=TCDS |accessarchive-date=AprilJune 1718, 2023 |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Transportationncdot.public.ms2soft.com}}</ref> PlanningThe Branchlowest -count Northwas Carolinaa Departmenttotal of Transportation}}21,288 vehicles per day in a rural stretch of Pender County.</ref name=":6" /> All of I-40 is listed in the [[National Highway System (United States)|National Highway System]], a network of roads important to the country's economy, defense, and mobility.<ref>{{cite map |publisher = Federal Highway Administration |url = httphttps://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/nhs_maps/north_carolina/nc_northcarolina.pdf |format = PDF |title = National Highway System: North Carolina |author = [[Federal Highway Administration]] |location = Raleigh |date = March 25, 2015 |access-date = April 6, 2016 |archive-date = September 22, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150922023709/http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/nhs_maps/north_carolina/nc_northcarolina.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = httphttps://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/ |title = What is the National Highway System? |work = National Highway System |publisher = [[Federal Highway Administration]] |date = February 26, 2016 |access-date = April 6, 2016 |archive-date = September 24, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120924215257/http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/ |url-status = live }}</ref> I-40 is also designated as a [[Blue Star Memorial Highway]] throughout the state.<ref>{{Cite web |last=North Carolina Department of Transportation |date=April 11, 2024 |title=Blue Star Memorial Highways Fact Sheet, 2019 |url=https://connect.ncdot.gov/municipalities/ProceduresPolicies/Blue%20Star%20Memorial%20Highways%20Fact%20Sheet,%202019.pdf |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=North Carolina Department of Transportation}}</ref>
===Western North Carolina===
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===Piedmont region===
I-40 heads northeast upon entering into the region, passing [[Mocksville, North Carolina|Mocksville]] and [[Clemmons, North Carolina|Clemmons]]. From here, I-40 widens to six lanes before entering Winston-Salem. It has meets with a major interchange, with the [[Salem Parkway (North Carolina)|Salem Parkway]] which carries [[U.S. Route 421 in North Carolina|US 421]] as well as its [[Interstate 40 Business#North Carolina|former business loop]]. This interchange gives access to downtown Winston-Salem.<ref name="Forsyth County map">{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |title = Forsyth County |url = http://dotw-xfer01.dot.state.nc.us/imgdot/DOTStateTravelMap/forsyth.jpg |author = North Carolina Department of Transportation |access-date = April 30, 2014 |archive-date = December 24, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231224090738/https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTStateTravelMap/forsyth.jpg |url-status = live }}</ref> Continuing through the Southern part of the Winston-Salem city limits, I-40 bears a more eastern direction, passing [[Hanes Mall]] and the commercial developments around the area. After passing the area, it has a cloverleaf interchange with [[Interstate 285 (North Carolina)|I-285]]/[[U.S. Route 52 in North Carolina|US 52]]/[[North Carolina Highway 8|NC 8]].<ref>{{google maps|url=https://www.google.com/maps/@36.0651271,-80.2291883,15z?hl=en|access-date=February 27, 2014}}</ref> It later meets [[Interstate 74 in North Carolina|I-74]], which exits off to the south toward [[High Point, North Carolina|High Point]]. From here I-40 continues northeast bypassing most of [[Kernersville]] to the south shortly before meeting with US 421 shortly after passing the Guilford County line.<ref>{{google maps|url=https://www.google.com/maps/dir/36.0620916,-80.2287592/36.0611202,-80.1927532/@36.0640517,-80.2027525,15z/data=!4m3!4m2!1m0!1m0?hl=en|access-date=February 27, 2014}}</ref> US 421 runs a concurrency with I-40 into Greensboro.<ref>{{google maps|url=https://www.google.com/maps/@36.0977708,-80.0095061,14z?hl=en|access-date=February 27, 2014}}</ref><ref name="google.com">{{google maps|url=https://www.google.com/maps/dir/35.7756734,-83.0982212/34.2718426,-77.8696731/@35.7883592,-80.51229,666917m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m4!4m3!1m0!1m0!5i2?hl=en|access-date=April 23, 2014}}</ref><ref name="2013map">{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |year = 2013 |title = State Transportation Map |author = North Carolina State Tax Commission |edition = 2013–2014 }}</ref>
[[File:I-40W-Sunflowers.jpg|thumb|left|Sunflowers along I-40 westbound ]]
I-40 heads into the Greensboro city limits before reaching the large I-73/US 421/I-840 interchange. This interchange is the east end of the US 421 concurrency with I-40 as well as the western terminus of I-840.<ref name=Guilford>{{cite map |publisher = [[North Carolina Department of Transportation]] |year = 2010 |title = Guilford County North Carolina |author = North Carolina Public Works Commission |edition = 2010 }}</ref> From there, I-40 heads through southwestern Greensboro. I-40 meets a junction with US 70 which carries Wendover Avenue, as the Interstate passes Wendover Place and [[Four Seasons Town Centre]] before having another large interchange with [[U.S. Route 220 in North Carolina|US 220]].<ref>{{google maps|url=https://www.google.com/maps/@36.0542749,-79.8648814,14z?hl=en|access-date=April 23, 2014}}</ref> [[U.S. Route 29 in North Carolina|US 29]]/[[U.S. Route 70 in North Carolina|US 70]] all merge into I-40/US 220 for a major concurrency {{convert|1|mi|km|spell=in}} after the interchange with US 220.<ref>{{google maps|url=https://www.google.com/maps/dir/36.0353052,-79.819486/36.0328411,-79.8022627/@36.0355198,-79.8143271,16z/data=!4m4!4m3!1m0!1m0!3e0?hl=en|access-date=April 23, 2014}}</ref> The roadInterstate is generally a six-lane [[freeway]] throughout in this area.<ref name=GoogleMaps>{{google maps|url=https://www.google.com/maps/@36.0373878,-79.7850538,162m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en|access-date=April 23, 2014}}</ref>
This {{convert|2.5|mi|km|adj=on}} corridor with concurrent routes ends in the east at the US 29/US 70/US 220/Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard junction. Both the beginning and ending interchanges of this corridor are quite unusual in design and are often operating at above full capacity, leading to frequent traffic [[Traffic congestion|jam]]s and incidents.<ref name="google.com"/><ref name=2013map/><ref name="Annual Average Daily Traffic">{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |year = 2011 |title = Greensboro North Carolina |author = North Carolina Public Works Commission |edition = 2011 }}</ref>
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===Eastern North Carolina===
Beyond exit 301, I-40 follows a primarily south-southeasterly routing to Wilmington. It departs Raleigh and runs along through eastern [[Garner, North Carolina|Garner]] between Jones Sausage Road (exit 303) and White Oak Road. I-40 meets US 70 and US 70 Business in Garner at exit 306. Additionally, I-40 begins to parallel [[North Carolina Highway 50|NC 50]] starting near exit 306 in Garner and continuing through [[Kenansville, North Carolina|Kenansville]]. I-40 and US 70 travel along atravels {{Convert|4.1|mi|km}} concurrencysouth to exit 309 wherewith US[[Interstate 42|I-42]] and [[Interstate 540 (North Carolina)|NC 70540]], divergeswhere toI-42 theheads easteastward toward [[Selma, North Carolina|Selma]] and [[New Bern, North Carolina|New Bern]]. South of exit 309, I-40 leaves Wake County and enters [[Johnston County, North Carolina|Johnston County]]. As the highway leaves suburban regions surrounding Raleigh, it interchanges with [[North Carolina Highway 42|NC 42]] (exit 312), [[North Carolina Highway 210|NC 210]] (exit 319), and [[North Carolina Highway 242|NC 242]] (exit 325) which provide access to [[Clayton, North Carolina|Clayton]], [[Angier, North Carolina|Angier]], and [[Benson, North Carolina|Benson]]. I-40 travels to the east of Benson, crossing over [[U.S. Route 301 in North Carolina|US 301]], but provides no access to the highway. Immediately south of US 301, I-40 meets [[Interstate 95 in North Carolina|I-95]] at exit 328, a modified [[cloverleaf interchange]]. This interchange was redesigned to help smoothen out the driving surface from the I-40 bridges to I-95.<ref>{{Cite press release |title = NCDOT: I-95/I-40 Interchange Bridge Work to Require Ramp Closures |url = https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2018/2018-08-03-i-95-40-bridge.aspx |access-date = 2024-04-11 |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |language = en-US }}</ref>
[[File:Exit 301 WB on I-40 2.jpg|thumb|I-40 westbound at exit 301]]
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In 1971, two gaps were completed: Wiggins Road (SR 1200) to US 19/US 23 in Enka; and US 64 in Statesville to US 64 near Mocksville.<ref>{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina State Highway Commission |url = http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/5237/rec/5 |title = North Carolina Official Highway Map |author = North Carolina State Highway Commission |year = 1971 |location = Raleigh |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = April 22, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160422120303/http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/5237/rec/5 |url-status = live }}</ref> In July, NCSHC finalized a plan for I-40's routing east of Durham to Smithfield, with an estimated cost of $75 million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|75000000|1971}}}} in {{inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{inflation/fn|US-GDP}}).<ref>{{cite news |title = SHC Approves I-40 Link in Wake County |newspaper = [[Independent Tribune|Concord Tribune]] |agency = [[Associated Press]] |date = July 20, 1971 }}{{page needed|date= July 2014}}</ref> In December, new freeway opened between Davis Drive (SR 1999) in RTP to US 1/US 64 (Raleigh Beltline) in Raleigh; I-40 was added along {{convert|7|mi|km|spell=in}} between Davis Drive and Harrison Avenue (SR 1654), while east of Harrison Avenue (future Wade Avenue) was signed "To I-40".<ref name=I40Facts/><ref>{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina State Highway Commission |url = http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/8413/rec/105 |format = PDF |title = [Highway maintenance map of] Durham County, North Carolina |author = North Carolina State Highway Commission |location = Raleigh |date = January 1, 1972 |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = April 22, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160422095113/http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/8413/rec/105 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina State Highway Commission |url = http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/8268/rec/82 |format = PDF |title = [Highway maintenance map of] Wake County, North Carolina |author = North Carolina State Highway Commission |location = Raleigh |date = January 1, 1972 |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = April 22, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160422111542/http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/8268/rec/82 |url-status = live }}</ref> In 1972, I-40 extended east from US 25 in Asheville to Porters Cove Road (SR 2838) in Oteen; the extension bypassed both [[U.S. Route 25 Alternate (Arden–Asheville, North Carolina)|US 25A]] and US 74, where interchanges were built in 1999 and 1973, respectively.<ref>{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina State Highway Commission |url = http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/1642/rec/6 |title = North Carolina Official Highway Map |author = North Carolina State Highway Commission |year = 1972 |location = Raleigh |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = April 22, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160422140101/http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/1642/rec/6 |url-status = live }}</ref> In 1973, I-40 and the Durham Freeway (future NC 147; now I-885) were connected in RTP.<ref>{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/1654/rec/30 |title = North Carolina Official Highway Map |author = North Carolina Department of Transportation |year = 1973 |location = Raleigh |edition = 1973–1974 |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = April 22, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160422142712/http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/1654/rec/30 |url-status = live }}</ref> In 1974, a gap was completed between US 276 in Cove Creek to the freeway connector (future [[Great Smoky Mountains Expressway]]) near Clyde. I-40 also extended east from Porters Cove Road in Oteen to Patton Cove Road (SR 2740) in Swannanoa.<ref>{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/1648/rec/27 |title = North Carolina Official Highway Map |author = North Carolina Department of Transportation |year = 1974 |edition = 1974–1975 |location = Raleigh |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = April 22, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160422111423/http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/1648/rec/27 |url-status = live }}</ref> In 1976, a gap of I-40 was completed between Henry River Road (SR 1002) in Hildebran and NC 16 in Conover.<ref>{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/1663/rec/17 |title = North Carolina Bicentennial Highway Map |author = North Carolina Department of Transportation |year = 1976 |location = Raleigh |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = April 22, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160422143721/http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/1663/rec/17 |url-status = live }}</ref> In April 1978, after years of debate on where I-40 should be routed east of I-95, either Morehead City or Wilmington, the [[North Carolina Department of Transportation]] (NCDOT) approved a corridor location between Raleigh and Wilmington. The discussions on its routing started since the initial extension in 1969 and arguments from several area groups why the routing should go to their port city. In the end, the routing approval to Wilmington came with a caveat to build new freeway in parallel to US 117 instead of a full upgrade of US 421 as several in the region supported.<ref name=I40Facts/><ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date = May 6, 1971 |title = 'Tremendous Boost,' That's How Sampson Official Sees an Interstate Highway |url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19710506&id=f69OAAAAIBAJ&sjid=twkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6035,1082924&hl=en |newspaper = [[Star-News|Wilmington Morning Star]] |access-date = June 13, 2016 |archive-date = March 18, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220318173545/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19710506&id=f69OAAAAIBAJ&sjid=twkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6035,1082924&hl=en |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date = November 15, 1971 |title = Interstate 40 Extension Comes in for Criticism |url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1734&dat=19711115&id=x-gbAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wlEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1566,1117280&hl=en |newspaper = [[The Dispatch (Lexington)|The Dispatch]] |location = Lexington, NC |access-date = June 13, 2016 |archive-date = April 23, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220423072627/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1734&dat=19711115&id=x-gbAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wlEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1566,1117280&hl=en |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Dexter |first = Jim |date = April 19, 1978 |title = 4-lane road delay in sight |url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19780419&id=QNBOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KRMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2835,3802134&hl=en |newspaper = Wilmington Morning Star |access-date = June 13, 2016 |archive-date = March 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220319021941/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19780419&id=QNBOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KRMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2835,3802134&hl=en |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Dexter |first = Jim |date = April 22, 1978 |title = I-40, BOT votes to extend highway to Benson, backs leg to city |url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19780422&id=Q9BOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KRMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6194,4313228&hl=en |newspaper = Wilmington Morning Star |access-date = June 13, 2016 |archive-date = March 18, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220318173557/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19780422&id=Q9BOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KRMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6194,4313228&hl=en |url-status = live }}</ref>
=== Extensions and realignments ===
[[File:WilmingtonBarstow.JPG|thumb|left|Barstow, California, distance sign near Wilmington. This sign was permanently removed in 2009 after being repeatedly stolen.<ref>{{Cite web |author=ABC11 |date=November 17, 2009 |title=Stolen I-40 sign gone for good |url=https://abc11.com/archive/7116384/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127162111/https://abc11.com/archive/7116384/ |archive-date=November 27, 2022 |access-date=November 27, 2022 |website=ABC11.com |publisher=WTVD-TV |language=en}}</ref>]]
In 1979, I-40 was extended east from Patton Cove Road in Swannanoa to US 70 in Ridgecrest,<ref>{{cite map|publisher=North Carolina Department of Transportation|url=https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTStateTravelMapHistoric/STM1980.pdf|format=PDF|title=1979-80 North Carolina Transportation Map & Guide to Points of Interest|author=North Carolina Department of Transportation|year=1979|location=Raleigh|edition=1979–1980|access-date=April 8, 2016|archive-date=March 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306162956/https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTStateTravelMapHistoric/STM1980.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and in 1982, it was designated in concurrency with US 70 along Youngs Ridge between Ridgecrest and Old Fort; this officially completed the original I-40 routing from Tennessee to Greensboro.<ref name=1982change/> In 1984, I-40 was extended in Raleigh from Wade Avenue (exit 289), along the Tom Bradshaw Freeway, to the Cliff Benson Beltline (exit 301).<ref>{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/9699/rec/113 |title = North Carolina Transportation Map |author = North Carolina Department of Transportation |year = 1984 |edition = 1984–1985 |location = Raleigh |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = April 22, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160422170435/http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/9699/rec/113 |url-status = live }}</ref> Also same year, AASHTO approved of designation of I-40 between Wallace and Wilmington, currently under construction at the time.<ref>{{AASHTO minutes |year=1984S |page=10 |access-date=April 8, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/1984_08_01.pdf |title = Route Change (1984-08-01) |page = 2 |date = August 1, 1984 |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = October 7, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161007144238/https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/1984_08_01.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref> By 1985, construction began on a {{convert|22|mi|km|adj=on}} project, connecting the Durham Freeway in the RTP with I-85 west of Hillsborough at an estimated cost of $103 million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|103000000|1985}}}} in {{inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{inflation/fn|US-GDP}}).<ref>{{cite news |last = Leland |first = Elizabeth |title = Growing Pains: I-40 Construction Rapidly Transforming Rural Areas into World of Sleek High Rises |newspaper = The Charlotte Observer |date = July 16, 1985 |page = 1A }}</ref> In 1985, I-40 was placed on new {{convert|19|mi|km|adj=on}} section between US 117 (exit 390) near Willard and NC 210 (exit 408) near Rocky Point.<ref>{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/9669/rec/117 |title = 1985 North Carolina Transportation Map |author = North Carolina Department of Transportation |year = 1985 |location = Raleigh |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = April 22, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160422172004/http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/9669/rec/117 |url-status = live }}</ref> In 1986, I-40 was extended west from the Durham Freeway (exit 279) to NC 55 (exit 278) in the RTP; I-40 was also extended east to its current eastern terminus at US 117/NC 132 (exit 420) in Wilmington.<ref>{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/9726/rec/119 |title = North Carolina Transportation Map |author = North Carolina Department of Transportation |year = 1986 |location = Raleigh |edition = 1986–1987 |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = April 22, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160422161316/http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/9726/rec/119 |url-status = live }}</ref> In 1987, I-40 was extended west from US 117 (exit 390) near Willard to NC 41 (exit 385) near Tin City.<ref>{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/9729/rec/120 |title = 1987 North Carolina Transportation Map |author = North Carolina Department of Transportation |year = 1987 |location = Raleigh |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = April 22, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160422161636/http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/9729/rec/120 |url-status = live }}</ref> In 1988, I-40 was extended west to US 15/US 501 (exit 270) in Chapel Hill and east to US 70 (exit 306) in Garner. In October, then-Governor [[James G. Martin]] announced federal approval of $114.1 million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|114100000|1988}}}} in {{inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{inflation/fn|US-GDP}}) for I-40 to be relocated around Winston-Salem.<ref>{{cite news |title = U.S. Approves Money for I-40 Bypass |newspaper = [[The Charlotte Observer]] |date = October 6, 1988 |page = 4B }}</ref><ref>{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/ncmaps/id/9730/rec/124 |title = 1988 North Carolina Transportation Map |author = North Carolina Department of Transportation |year = 1988 |location = Raleigh |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = April 22, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160422182236/http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/ncmaps/id/9730/rec/124 |url-status = live }}</ref> In 1989, I-40 was extended west to I-85 (exit 259) west of Hillsborough and east to I-95 (exit 328) in Benson.<ref name=I40Facts/><ref>{{cite news |agency = Associated Press |title = I-40 Puts Village in Fast Lane; Triangle Approaches |newspaper = The Charlotte Observer |date = October 31, 1988 |page = 1D }}</ref><ref>{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/9687/rec/125 |title = 1989 North Carolina Transportation Map |author = North Carolina Department of Transportation |year = 1989 |location = Raleigh |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = April 22, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160422151821/http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/9687/rec/125 |url-status = live }}</ref> By 1990, I-40 was extended west from NC 41 (exit 385) in Tin City to US 117 (exit 369) near Warsaw.<ref>{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/9693/rec/2 |title = North Carolina Transportation Map |author = North Carolina Department of Transportation |year = 1990 |location = Raleigh |edition = 1990–1991 |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = April 22, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160422164653/http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/9693/rec/2 |url-status = live }}</ref> On June 29, 1990, with a ribbon-cutting by Governor Martin, I-40 was connected between Raleigh and Wilmington, providing improved access with the [[North Carolina State Ports Authority|Port of Wilmington]] with the rest of the state.<ref name=I40Facts/> At around this time, a standard distance sign near the start of the westbound section of I-40 in Wilmington indicates the distance to [[Barstow, California]], as {{convert|2554|mi|km}}. In December, AASHTO approved the I-40 designation between Raleigh and Wallace; and in January 1991, NCDOT certified the designation.<ref>{{AASHTO minutes |year=1990A |page=10 |access-date=April 8, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/1991_01_18.pdf |title = Route Change (1991-01-18) |page = 2 |date = January 18, 1991 |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = March 4, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070238/https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/1991_01_18.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref> The final gap of I-40 was completed when it was designated along existing I-85 from Greensboro to west of Hillsborough {{Circa|1992}}.
The final gap of I-40 was completed when it was designated along existing I-85 from Greensboro to west of Hillsborough {{Circa|1992}}. In November 1992, the {{convert|20.89|mi|km|adj=on}} Winston-Salem Bypass was completed and opened, featuring mostly new construction, with a short overlap of existing US 311 freeway. The former alignment, featuring the first sections of I-40 completed in the state, was designated as [[Interstate 40 Business (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)|I-40 Bus.]], with a complete concurrency with US 421. After 34 years, I-40 was officially completed in North Carolina.<ref>{{AASHTO minutes |year=1992A |page=13 |access-date=April 8, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/1992_11_09.pdf |title = Route Change (1992-11-09) |page = 2 |date = November 9, 1992 |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = March 4, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095125/https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/1992_11_09.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/9711/rec/4 |title = North Carolina Transportation Map |author = North Carolina Department of Transportation |year = 1992 |location = Raleigh |edition = 1992–1993 |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = April 22, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160422155306/http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/9711/rec/4 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/9681/rec/6 |title = 1993-94 North Carolina Transportation Map |author = North Carolina Department of Transportation |year = 1993 |location = Raleigh |edition = 1993–1994 |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = April 22, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160422155621/http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/9681/rec/6 |url-status = live }}</ref>
===Since completion===
By the end of the 20th century, I-40 had experienced notable expansions and modernizations on its route. During the 1980s and 1990s, modernizations were done on the Piedmont stretches. It was apparent that the original alignment in [[Winston-Salem, North Carolina|Winston-Salem]], of which some parts were built to 1950s [[Interstate Highway standards]] and other predating the system entirely, had become notably congested. After a study with the city and state concluded that construction of a bypass was preferable to widening and modernizing the freeway through the area, the state lobbied the [[Federal Highway Administration]] (FHWA) to allow them new roadway, arguing that since some this section predated the 1956 Act, it never received federal highway dollars for its development and construction, thus I-40 was technically incomplete in Winston-Salem. In October 1988, they were able to convince the FHWA, and Governor [[James G. Martin]] announced federal approval of $114.1 million for I-40 to be relocated onto the new bypass.<ref>{{cite news |title = U.S. Approves Money for I-40 Bypass |newspaper = [[The Charlotte Observer]] |date = October 6, 1988 |page = 4B }}</ref><ref>{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/ncmaps/id/9730/rec/124 |title = 1988 North Carolina Transportation Map |author = North Carolina Department of Transportation |year = 1988 |location = Raleigh |accessdate = April 8, 2016 }}</ref> By the end of 1992, the {{convert|20.89|mi|km|adj=on}} new stretch in southern Forsyth County was completed and opened and I-40 was officially rerouted onto the new stretch. This was up to more recent Interstate standards, and was at some points six lanes wide. Despite being practically rendered obsolete by the project, the East–West Expressway was not demolished, but rather given the new designation as [[Interstate 40 Business (Kernersville, North Carolina)|Interstate 40 Business]].<ref>{{AASHTO minutes |year = 1992A |page = 13 |access-date = April 8, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/1992_11_09.pdf |title = Route Change (1992-11-09) |page = 2 |date = November 9, 1992 |accessdate = April 8, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/9711/rec/4 |title = 1992-93 North Carolina Transportation Map |author = North Carolina Department of Transportation |year = 1992 |location = Raleigh |edition = 1992-93 |accessdate = April 8, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite map |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/9681/rec/6 |title = 1993-94 North Carolina Transportation Map |author = North Carolina Department of Transportation |year = 1993 |location = Raleigh |edition = 1993-94 |accessdate = April 8, 2016 }}</ref> By 1997, Interstate 40 in Greensboro between west of the infamous former Interstate 85 split, to Wendover Avenue, was renovated to similar standards to nearby Winston-Salem's rerouting.
In 1996, {{convert|35|mi|km}} of I-40/I-85, through Alamance and Orange counties, were widened to eight lanes. At a cost of $175 million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|175000000|1996}}}} in {{inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{inflation/fn|US-GDP}}), the project began in 1989 and opened completed sections in phases.<ref>{{cite news |agency = [[Associated Press]] |title = I-85 Traffic Flow May Be Smoother |work = The Charlotte Observer |date = December 16, 1988 |page = 5B }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = North Carolina: Wider I-85 Recommended |work = The Charlotte Observer |date = January 27, 1988 |page = 2B }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = NC Interstate Widenings Make Road Ahead Rocky |work = The Charlotte Observer |date = March 14, 1990 |page = 2C }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first = David A. |last = Hall |title = Interstate 40/85 Freeway Isn't Free of Construction |newspaper = [[Greensboro News & Record]] |date = November 23, 1994 |page = A1 }}</ref>▼
▲In 19961989, work began on a renovating the {{convert|35|mi|km|adj=on}} ofstretch I-40/I-85, throughbetween Alamance and Orange counties, wereincluded widenedin this work was widening it from four to eight lanes. AtThe awork was carried out in phases. By 1996, it had been competed at the cost of $175 million .(equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|175000000|1996}}}} in {{inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{inflation/fn|US-GDP}}), the project began in 1989 and opened completed sections in phases.<ref>{{cite news |agency = [[Associated Press]] |title = I-85 Traffic Flow May Be Smoother |work = The Charlotte Observer |date = December 16, 1988 |page = 5B }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = North Carolina: Wider I-85 Recommended |work = The Charlotte Observer |date = January 27, 1988 |page = 2B }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = NC Interstate Widenings Make Road Ahead Rocky |work = The Charlotte Observer |date = March 14, 1990 |page = 2C }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first = David A. |last = Hall |title = Interstate 40/85 Freeway Isn't Free of Construction |newspaper = [[Greensboro News & Record]] |date = November 23, 1994 |page = A1 }}</ref>
In December 2004, a {{convert|10.6|mi|km|adj=on}} widening project was completed from US 15/US 501 (exit 270) in Durham to NC 147 (now I-885/NC 885; exit 279) in RTP. The project expanded lanes from four to six lanes.<ref>{{cite news |last = Siceloff |first = Bruce |title = 3rd lane set to open on I-40 E. in Durham |newspaper = The News & Observer |location = Raleigh, NC |date = December 14, 2004 |page = B1 }}</ref> In March 2005, construction crews returned for eight weeks to replace asphalt used in the widening project, which began to deteriorate not long after the lanes opened to the public.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = Fix will shut part of I-40 for 8 weeks |newspaper = The News & Observer |location = Raleigh, NC |date = December 14, 2004 |page = B4 }}</ref> The paving mistakes, however, were more severe, and NCDOT contracted Lane Construction Corp to replace all the bad concrete used in the botch widening project, at a cost of $21.7 million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|21700000|2005}}}} in {{inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{inflation/fn|US-GDP}}).<ref>{{cite news |last = Siceloff |first = Bruce |title = DOT gets earful on I-40 repair costs |newspaper = The News & Observer |location = Raleigh, NC |date = December 14, 2004 |page = B3 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Siceloff |first = Bruce |title = I-40's bad concrete gone; lanes open for now |newspaper = The News & Observer |location = Raleigh, NC |date = December 14, 2004 |page = B1 }}</ref>
In 2011, an {{convert|8|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} widening project was completed between Harrison Avenue (exit 287) and Gorman Street (exit 295). At a cost of $49 million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|49000000|2011}}}} in {{inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{inflation/fn|US-GDP}}), the project expanded lanes from four to six lanes.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.wral.com/traffic/story/9495355/ |title = I-40 widening project almost done |access-date = April 8, 2016 |last = Burns |first = Matthew |date = April 25, 2011 |publisher = WRAL-TV |location = Raleigh, NC |archive-date = May 2, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160502134843/http://www.wral.com/traffic/story/9495355/ |url-status = live }}</ref>▼
====Pigeon River Gorge====
[[File:I-40W 2012 Rockslide Cleanup.jpg|thumb|upright=0.747|Crews clearing the westbound lanes from the 2012 rockslide]]
The first section of I-40 in North Carolina is the section that travels through the [[Pigeon River (Tennessee–North Carolina)|Pigeon River]] Gorge in [[Haywood County, North Carolina|Haywood County]]. Known locally as simply "The Gorge", this part of I-40 cuts a path from the [[Tennessee]] state line to [[Waynesville, North Carolina|Waynesville]]. This section of the Interstate is curvy and tends to become a bit narrow in some places when compared to other portions of the highway. Because much of the road was cut through mountainside and along the river, concrete retaining walls have been built on both sides of the road and in the median, cutting down on the width of the breakdown lanes. Coupled with speeding vehicles, the thick [[fog]] that tends to plague the area, winter weather, and little room to maneuver in case of accident, this area has become notorious for its severe and many times fatal accidents. It is reported that a person is 20 times more likely to die on I-40 in Haywood County than they are to win the [[Powerball]] lottery, twice the average of any other Interstate Highway in North Carolina.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.smokymountainnews.com/issues/11_03/11_19_03/fr_hwy_safety.html |title = Highway Safety not Always a Priority: Stepped-Up Enforcement Could Save Lives |first = Becky |last = Johnson |work = The Smoky Mountain News |location = Waynesville, NC |access-date = May 20, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120208144520/http://www.smokymountainnews.com/issues/11_03/11_19_03/fr_hwy_safety.html |archive-date = February 8, 2012 }}</ref> Even some minor accidents have been known to tie up traffic in this area because there is little room to move accidents off or to the side of the road with the terrain. Speeding [[semitruck]]s have been a problem in the gorge and have subsequently led to many accidents. In 2001 and 2003, two state troopers were killed in two separate accidents by speeding trucks that drifted off the road and hit their [[police car]] conducting a [[traffic stop]]. This led the [[North Carolina State Highway Patrol]] to crack down on speeding tractor trailers and speeders in general through the area.<ref>{{Cite web |last=North Carolina Department of Transportation |date=March 7, 2002 |title=Resolution for Trooper Calvin E. Taylor |url=https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/gisdot/DOTHD/bios/ACT_Resolution_Trooper_Calvin_E_Taylor%20.pdf |access-date=April 17, 2024 |website=CEO_KM_C754e-20160824073659}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Trooper killed in I-40 crash |url=https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/2003/05/31/trooper-killed-in-i-40-crash/30518272007/ |access-date=2024-04-17 |website=Wilmington Star-News |language=en-US}}</ref> This portion of the highway is also notorious for [[rockslide]]s and rocks falling onto the highway. The main cause is an engineering flaw; sections of the highway have been built on the north side of the Pigeon River, where the rock stratums foliate toward the highway.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hyatt |first=Vicki |date=2012-01-31 |title=The early history of the Pigeon River Road (I-40) in Haywood County |url=https://www.themountaineer.com/news/the-early-history-of-the-pigeon-river-road-i-40-in-haywood-county/article_f210c81b-4fdf-56fc-b499-a603ea8770a6.html |access-date=2024-05-30 |website=The Mountaineer |language=en}}</ref> In 1985, a severe rockslide buried the westbound entrance to one of two tunnels that carry the highway through the gorge. Repair of the slide area and the tunnel required shifting westbound traffic to the eastbound tunnel, while eastbound traffic was diverted onto a temporary viaduct around the tunnels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Setzer |first=Joel |date=February 13, 2012 |title=I-40 Rock Slides, Haywood County |url=https://webservices.ncleg.gov/ViewDocSiteFile/25313 |access-date=April 5, 2024 |website=North Carolina Department of Transportation |page=7-8}}</ref> In July 1997, a rockslide near the Tennessee state line closed the entire road for nearly three months.<ref>{{cite report |last = Tolbert |first = Eric L. |date = August 6, 1998 |url = http://www.dem.dcc.state.nc.us/PIO/97report.PDF |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080626055016/http://www.dem.dcc.state.nc.us/PIO/97report.PDF |archive-date = June 26, 2008 |title = 1997 Annual Report |publisher = North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety Division of Emergency Management |access-date = July 6, 2014 }}</ref> In 2009, a large rockslide at milemarker 2.6 along I-40 near the Tennessee state line shut down the freeway for several weeks. While the slide only caused minor injuries, it shut down I-40 in both directions.<ref>{{cite news |last = Hickman |first = Hayes |url = http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/apr/25/section-of-i-40-back-open-after-oct-slide/ |title = Section of I-40 Closed Since Oct. Rockslide Reopens |work = Knoxville News Sentinel |date = April 25, 2010 |access-date = September 19, 2011 |archive-date = October 4, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121004095435/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/apr/25/section-of-i-40-back-open-after-oct-slide/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url = https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/pio/releases/details.aspx?r=5969 |archive-url = https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20120920085609/https://apps.ncdot.gov/NewsReleases/details.aspx?r=5969 |url-status = dead |archive-date = September 20, 2012 |title = Interstate 40 West Closed at Exit 20 in North Carolina Near Tennessee Border Due to Rockslide in Tennessee |access-date = February 4, 2012 |author = Staff |date = January 31, 2012 |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/16660599/tdot-i-40-should-reopen-by-monday-after-rockslide |title = TDOT: I-40 should reopen by Monday following rockslide |access-date = February 4, 2012 |last = Vaughn |first = Casey |date = January 31, 2012 |publisher = [[WHNS]]-TV |location = Greenville, SC |archive-date = February 24, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140224121743/http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/16660599/tdot-i-40-should-reopen-by-monday-after-rockslide |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/10685644/ |title = Rock Slide Occurs on Closed Section of I-40 |access-date = February 4, 2012 |last = Burns |first = Matthew |date = February 3, 2012 |publisher = WRAL-TV |location = Raleigh, NC |archive-date = February 5, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120205094830/http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/10685644/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url = https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/pio/releases/details.aspx?r=5996 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20121224124107/https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/pio/releases/details.aspx?r=5996 |url-status = dead |archive-date = December 24, 2012 |title = Crews Make Progress Cleaning Up Rockslide on I-40 West in North Carolina |access-date = February 4, 2012 |author = Staff |date = February 4, 2012 |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation }}</ref>
Even some minor accidents have been known to tie up traffic in this area because there is little room to move accidents off or to the side of the road with the terrain. Speeding [[semitruck]]s have been a problem in the gorge and have subsequently led to many accidents. In 2001 and 2003, two state troopers were killed in two separate accidents by speeding trucks that drifted off the road and hit their [[police car]] conducting a [[traffic stop]]. This led the [[North Carolina State Highway Patrol]] to crack down on speeding tractor trailers and speeders in general through the area.<ref>{{Cite web |last=North Carolina Department of Transportation |date=March 7, 2002 |title=Resolution for Trooper Calvin E. Taylor |url=https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/gisdot/DOTHD/bios/ACT_Resolution_Trooper_Calvin_E_Taylor%20.pdf |access-date=April 17, 2024 |website=CEO_KM_C754e-20160824073659}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Trooper killed in I-40 crash |url=https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/2003/05/31/trooper-killed-in-i-40-crash/30518272007/ |access-date=2024-04-17 |website=Wilmington Star-News |language=en-US}}</ref>
This portion of the highway is also notorious for [[rockslide]]s and rocks falling onto the highway. The main cause is an engineering flaw; sections of the highway have been built on the north side of the Pigeon River, where the rock stratums foliate toward the highway.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hyatt |first=Vicki |date=2012-01-31 |title=The early history of the Pigeon River Road (I-40) in Haywood County |url=https://www.themountaineer.com/news/the-early-history-of-the-pigeon-river-road-i-40-in-haywood-county/article_f210c81b-4fdf-56fc-b499-a603ea8770a6.html |access-date=2024-05-30 |website=The Mountaineer |language=en}}</ref>
In 1985, a severe rockslide buried the westbound entrance to one of two tunnels that carry the highway through the gorge. Repair of the slide area and the tunnel required shifting westbound traffic to the eastbound tunnel, while eastbound traffic was diverted onto a temporary viaduct around the tunnels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Setzer |first=Joel |date=February 13, 2012 |title=I-40 Rock Slides, Haywood County |url=https://webservices.ncleg.gov/ViewDocSiteFile/25313 |access-date=April 5, 2024 |website=North Carolina Department of Transportation |page=7-8}}</ref> In July 1997, a rockslide near the Tennessee state line closed the entire road for nearly three months.<ref>{{cite report |last = Tolbert |first = Eric L. |date = August 6, 1998 |url = http://www.dem.dcc.state.nc.us/PIO/97report.PDF |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080626055016/http://www.dem.dcc.state.nc.us/PIO/97report.PDF |archive-date = June 26, 2008 |title = 1997 Annual Report |publisher = North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety Division of Emergency Management |access-date = July 6, 2014 }}</ref>
In 2009, a large rockslide at milemarker 2.6 along I-40 near the Tennessee state line shut down the freeway for several weeks. While the slide only caused minor injuries, it shut down I-40 in both directions.<ref>{{cite news |last = Hickman |first = Hayes |url = http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/apr/25/section-of-i-40-back-open-after-oct-slide/ |title = Section of I-40 Closed Since Oct. Rockslide Reopens |work = Knoxville News Sentinel |date = April 25, 2010 |access-date = September 19, 2011 |archive-date = October 4, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121004095435/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/apr/25/section-of-i-40-back-open-after-oct-slide/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url = https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/pio/releases/details.aspx?r=5969 |archive-url = https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20120920085609/https://apps.ncdot.gov/NewsReleases/details.aspx?r=5969 |url-status = dead |archive-date = September 20, 2012 |title = Interstate 40 West Closed at Exit 20 in North Carolina Near Tennessee Border Due to Rockslide in Tennessee |access-date = February 4, 2012 |author = Staff |date = January 31, 2012 |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/16660599/tdot-i-40-should-reopen-by-monday-after-rockslide |title = TDOT: I-40 should reopen by Monday following rockslide |access-date = February 4, 2012 |last = Vaughn |first = Casey |date = January 31, 2012 |publisher = [[WHNS]]-TV |location = Greenville, SC |archive-date = February 24, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140224121743/http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/16660599/tdot-i-40-should-reopen-by-monday-after-rockslide |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/10685644/ |title = Rock Slide Occurs on Closed Section of I-40 |access-date = February 4, 2012 |last = Burns |first = Matthew |date = February 3, 2012 |publisher = WRAL-TV |location = Raleigh, NC |archive-date = February 5, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120205094830/http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/10685644/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url = https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/pio/releases/details.aspx?r=5996 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20121224124107/https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/pio/releases/details.aspx?r=5996 |url-status = dead |archive-date = December 24, 2012 |title = Crews Make Progress Cleaning Up Rockslide on I-40 West in North Carolina |access-date = February 4, 2012 |author = Staff |date = February 4, 2012 |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation }}</ref>
====Greensboro relocation====
{{See also|Greensboro Urban Loop}}
[[File:Greensboro road signs.jpg|thumb|The six routes of Death Valley in 2006. US 220 and US 421 were rerouted in 2008 and 2009, respectively.]]
In February 2008, I-40 was relocated onto the southern section Greensboro Urban Loop, marking the first change to I-40 since it was rerouted onto the Winston-Salem Bypass in 1992. At a cost of $122 million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|122000000|2008}}}} in {{inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{inflation/fn|US-GDP}}), the relocation to the [[Greensboro Urban Loop]] was constructed by Archer Western Contractors of Atlanta and took four years to complete. NCDOT Secretary Lyndo Tippett said that "the opening of the Greensboro Western Urban Loop is a major step in improving the mobility of the Triad region" and that "the highway will provide better access for motorists in and around Greensboro, as well as those traveling between the eastern and western areas of our state". The new routing was placed in concurrency with [[Interstate 73 in North Carolina|I-73]], while its original alignment became an extension of former [[Interstate 40 Business (Greensboro, North Carolina)|I-40 Bus.]]<ref>{{cite press release |url = https://apps.ncdot.gov/NewsReleases/details.aspx?r=1577 |title = NCDOT to open I-40/73 Greensboro Western Urban Loop Thursday |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |location = Raleigh |date = February 19, 2008 |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160419200450/https://apps.ncdot.gov/NewsReleases/details.aspx?r=1577 |archive-date = April 19, 2016 |url-status = dead }}</ref> The glowing sentiment the NCDOT secretary gave on the new I-40 routing was not reciprocated, however. NCDOT received many complaints by local residents and motorists on the confusion between "Blue" 40 and "Green" 40. Greensboro residents also had concerns with the resulting increased traffic and noise. On September 12, 2008, seven months after the initial switch and in agreement with Greensboro DOT and the FHWA, I-40 was rerouted to its original route through the city, I-40 Bus. was decommissioned, and I-73 and I-85 were left as the only Interstates signed along the loop. Exit numbers on the western segment of the loop were to be replaced with I-73 exit numbers; while exit numbers along I-40 Bus. would be changed over to I-40 exit numbers.<ref>{{ cite press release |url=https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/pio/releases/details.aspx?r=1854 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121224201107/https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/pio/releases/details.aspx?r=1854 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 24, 2012 |title=NCDOT will reroute I-40 from Greensboro Urban Loop to Original Location |publisher=North Carolina Department of Transportation |location=Raleigh |date=September 12, 2008 |access-date=April 8, 2016 }}</ref> At a cost around $300,000 (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|300000|2009|r=-3}}}} in {{inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{inflation/fn|US-GDP}}), all signage was replaced by July 1, 2009.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |url = http://www.wral.com/traffic/story/3550101/ |title = DOT to spend at least $300K to reroute I-40 in Greensboro |access-date = April 8, 2016 |date = September 15, 2008 |publisher = WRAL-TV |location = Raleigh, NC |archive-date = April 24, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160424012718/http://www.wral.com/traffic/story/3550101/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.news14.com/content/local_news/triad/609062/signing-changes-coming-to-interstate-40/Default.aspx |location = Raleigh, NC |publisher = News 14 Carolina |title = Signing Changes Coming to I-40 |date = May 11, 2009 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In November 2009, US 421 was rerouted onto the Urban Loop, replacing most of I-40's brief alignment around Greensboro.<ref>{{AASHTO minutes |year=2009A |page=3 |access-date=April 8, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/2009_11_23c.pdf |title = Route Change (2009-11-23) |date = November 23, 2009 |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = October 7, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161007144245/https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/2009_11_23c.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref> The current alignment of I-40 is {{convert|4|mi|km|spell=in}} shorter than the 2008 Urban Loop routing and is the quicker route for any vehicle consistently traveling at the posted speed limits.<ref name="studyws" />
▲In 2011, an {{convert|8|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} widening project was completed between Harrison Avenue (exit 287) and Gorman Street (exit 295). At a cost of $49 million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|49000000|2011}}}} in {{inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{inflation/fn|US-GDP}}), the project expanded lanes from four to six lanes.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.wral.com/traffic/story/9495355/ |title = I-40 widening project almost done |access-date = April 8, 2016 |last = Burns |first = Matthew |date = April 25, 2011 |publisher = WRAL-TV |location = Raleigh, NC |archive-date = May 2, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160502134843/http://www.wral.com/traffic/story/9495355/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
The glowing sentiment the NCDOT secretary gave on the new I-40 routing was unfortunately not reciprocated. NCDOT received many complaints by local residents and motorists on the confusion between "Blue" 40 and "Green" 40. Greensboro residents also had concerns with the resulting increased traffic and noise. On September 12, 2008, seven months after the initial switch and in agreement with Greensboro DOT and the FHWA, I-40 was rerouted to its original route through the city, I-40 Bus. was decommissioned, and I-73 and I-85 were left as the only Interstates signed along the loop. Exit numbers on the western segment of the loop were to be replaced with I-73 exit numbers; while exit numbers along I-40 Bus. would be changed over to I-40 exit numbers.<ref>{{ cite press release |url=https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/pio/releases/details.aspx?r=1854 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121224201107/https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/pio/releases/details.aspx?r=1854 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 24, 2012 |title=NCDOT will reroute I-40 from Greensboro Urban Loop to Original Location |publisher=North Carolina Department of Transportation |location=Raleigh |date=September 12, 2008 |access-date=April 8, 2016 }}</ref> At a cost around $300,000 (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|300000|2009|r=-3}}}} in {{inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{inflation/fn|US-GDP}}), all signage was replaced by July 1, 2009.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |url = http://www.wral.com/traffic/story/3550101/ |title = DOT to spend at least $300K to reroute I-40 in Greensboro |access-date = April 8, 2016 |date = September 15, 2008 |publisher = WRAL-TV |location = Raleigh, NC |archive-date = April 24, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160424012718/http://www.wral.com/traffic/story/3550101/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.news14.com/content/local_news/triad/609062/signing-changes-coming-to-interstate-40/Default.aspx |location = Raleigh, NC |publisher = News 14 Carolina |title = Signing Changes Coming to I-40 |date = May 11, 2009 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In November 2009, US 421 was rerouted onto the Urban Loop, replacing most of I-40's brief alignment around Greensboro.<ref>{{AASHTO minutes |year=2009A |page=3 |access-date=April 8, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |url = https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/2009_11_23c.pdf |title = Route Change (2009-11-23) |date = November 23, 2009 |access-date = April 8, 2016 |archive-date = October 7, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161007144245/https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/2009_11_23c.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref>
The current alignment of I-40 is {{convert|4|mi|km|spell=in}} shorter than the 2008 Urban Loop routing and is the quicker route for any vehicle consistently traveling at the posted speed limits.<ref name="studyws"/>
====Statesville interchange rebuild====
In [[Statesville, North Carolina|Statesville]], the I-40/I-77 interchange (exit 152), originally built as a cloverleaf in the late 1960s, was upgraded to increase capacity and improve safety. The initial estimated cost for the entire project is $251 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|251000000|2012}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) with construction started in March 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/search/details.html#id=1111 |title = NCDOT: Project I-3819 |access-date = November 1, 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111029193045/http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/search/details.html |archive-date = October 29, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.wsoctv.com/news/28420901/detail.html |title = DOT Report: Interchange At I-40, I-77 To Cost $250M |location = Charlotte, NC |publisher = [[WSOC-TV]] |access-date = November 1, 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110703215053/http://www.wsoctv.com/news/28420901/detail.html |archive-date = July 3, 2011 }}</ref> The first phase, completed in mid-2019, involved the widening of I-40 from four to six lanes. The second phase, begun in 2020, involves a similar widening of I-77 and the reconstruction of the interchange into a partial [[turbine interchange]]. The original completion date was supposed to be late 2022. The completion date was rescheduled to late 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NCDOT: I-40/77 Interchange Improvements |url=https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i40-i77-interchange/Pages/default.aspx |access-date=2024-04-06 |website=NCDOT |language=en-US}}</ref> The $260-million project, including widening of a total of {{Convert|7.5|mi|km}} of both highways to eight lanes, was essentially completed December 22, 2023, with all lanes opened, though cold weather will require waiting on further resurfacing and pavement markings until early 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/article283427228.html|title=All lanes of the I-77 'whirlpool' in Statesville open just in time for holiday travel|last=Marusak|first=Joe|access-date=December 23, 2023|work=[[The Charlotte Observer]]|date=December 22, 2023|archive-date=December 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224090753/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/article283427228.html|url-status=live}}</ref>▼
Begun in 2013, an extensive project known as "Fortify" (a play on the route number "40") overhauled I-40 along the southern edge of Raleigh, from the I-40/US 1/US 64 interchange (exit 293) near [[Crossroads Plaza (North Carolina)|Crossroads Plaza]] in Cary through the I-40/I-440 split (exit 301) in Southeast Raleigh, including the easternmost {{convert|2|mi|km|spell=in}} of I-440 as well. The project necessitated a complete teardown and rebuild of the roadway, widening of the roadway, rehabilitation and widening of bridges and overpasses along the entire route, and extension and widening of several highly congested exit and entrance ramps.<ref name="Fortify">{{cite web |title = Project Fortify |url = https://www.ncdot.gov/fortifync/about/ |website = ncdot.com |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |access-date = September 9, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160814225707/https://www.ncdot.gov/fortifync/about/ |archive-date = August 14, 2016 |url-status = dead }}</ref> The project was divided into two phases, the first (completed in mid-2015) was a rebuilding and repaving of I-40 and I-440 from I-40 exit 301 to I-440 exit 14. The second phase, completed in late 2018, was the more extensive rebuild of I-40 from exit 293 to exit 301.<ref name="Fortify"/>▼
====Fortify project====
▲Begun in 2013, an extensive project known as "Fortify" (a play on the route number "40") overhauled I-40 along the southern edge of Raleigh, from the I-40/US 1/US 64 interchange (exit 293) near [[Crossroads Plaza (North Carolina)|Crossroads Plaza]] in Cary through the I-40/I-440 split (exit 301) in Southeast Raleigh, including the easternmost {{convert|2|mi|km|spell=in}} of I-440 as well. The project necessitated a complete teardown and rebuild of the roadway, widening of the roadway, rehabilitation and widening of bridges and overpasses along the entire route, and extension and widening of several highly congested exit and entrance ramps.<ref name="Fortify">{{cite web |title = Project Fortify |url = https://www.ncdot.gov/fortifync/about/ |website = ncdot.com |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |access-date = September 9, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160814225707/https://www.ncdot.gov/fortifync/about/ |archive-date = August 14, 2016 |url-status = dead }}</ref>
▲In [[Statesville, North Carolina|Statesville]], the I-40/I-77 interchange (exit 152), originally built as a cloverleaf in the late 1960s, was upgraded to increase capacity and improve safety. The initial estimated cost for the entire project is $251 million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|251000000|2012}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) with construction started in March 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/search/details.html#id=1111 |title = NCDOT: Project I-3819 |access-date = November 1, 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111029193045/http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/search/details.html |archive-date = October 29, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.wsoctv.com/news/28420901/detail.html |title = DOT Report: Interchange At I-40, I-77 To Cost $250M |location = Charlotte, NC |publisher = [[WSOC-TV]] |access-date = November 1, 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110703215053/http://www.wsoctv.com/news/28420901/detail.html |archive-date = July 3, 2011 }}</ref> The first phase, completed in mid-2019, involved the widening of I-40 from four to six lanes. The second phase, begun in 2020, involves a similar widening of I-77 and the reconstruction of the interchange into a partial [[turbine interchange]]. The original completion date was supposed to be late 2022. The completion date was rescheduled to late 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NCDOT: I-40/77 Interchange Improvements |url=https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i40-i77-interchange/Pages/default.aspx |access-date=2024-04-06 |website=NCDOT |language=en-US}}</ref> The $260-million project, including widening of a total of {{Convert|7.5|mi|km}} of both highways to eight lanes, was essentially completed December 22, 2023, with all lanes opened, thoughbut cold weather will require waiting ondelayed further resurfacing and pavement markings untilto earlyspring 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/article283427228.html|title=All lanes of the I-77 'whirlpool' in Statesville open just in time for holiday travel|last=Marusak|first=Joe|access-date=December 23, 2023|work=[[The Charlotte Observer]]|date=December 22, 2023|archive-date=December 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224090753/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/article283427228.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
The project was divided into two phases, the first (completed in mid-2015) was a rebuilding and repaving of I-40 and I-440 from I-40 exit 301 to I-440 exit 14. The second phase, completed in late 2018, was the more extensive rebuild of I-40 from exit 293 to exit 301.<ref name="Fortify"/>
====Southeast Raleigh–Clayton widening====
Begun in late 2018 after the completion of the Fortify project to widen I-40 through South Raleigh, the section of I-40 between the I-40/I-440 split (exit 301) and [[North Carolina Highway 42|NC 42]] (exit 312) is being widened. As part of the widening project, many of the overpasses along the route are being reconstructed, both to accommodate the wider road underneath and to expand capacity of the roads passing overhead. An onramp was removed at exit 306 ([[U.S. Route 70 in North Carolina|US 70]]) in November 2019 in order to accommodate the wider roadway. Traffic that normally used a free-flowing loop ramp is now routed through a left-turn traffic light to access the other onramp. Exit 312 (NC 42) is being rebuilt entirely as a [[diverging diamond interchange]], and an additional ramp is being built at that exit to provide access to Cleveland Road. Additionally, the interchange at exit 309 for US 70 (Clayton Bypass) is being expanded to also including the future NC 540/Triangle Expressway. In December 2020, a new overhead flyover ramp between I-440 east and I-40 east was opened, replacing the older ramp to allow for the wider freeway underneath.<ref>{{cite web |title = Beltline Flyover to I-40 East to Close This Weekend |url = https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-12-09-shift-new-flyover-i-440-east-i-40-east.aspx |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |access-date = December 17, 2020 |date = December 9, 2020 |archive-date = December 10, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201210002815/https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2020/2020-12-09-shift-new-flyover-i-440-east-i-40-east.aspx |url-status = live }}</ref> The project was expected to be completed to exit 309 by 2023 while the I-40/NC 42 interchange rebuild expected to be completed by 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title = I-40 Widening - Southeast Raleigh to Clayton |url = https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i40-nc42/Pages/default.aspx |website = NCDOT.com |publisher = North Carolina Department of Transportation |accessdate = February 28, 2022 |archive-date = March 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220319040651/https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i40-nc42/Pages/default.aspx |url-status = live }}</ref> The new lanes between the Raleigh Beltline and the Clayton Bypass were opened to traffic in April 2023.<ref>{{cite news |title=Years-long effort to widen I-40 south of Raleigh reached a milestone this week |url=https://www.aol.com/news/years-long-effort-widen-40-135500369.html |access-date=April 27, 2023 |work=www.aol.com |date=April 26, 2023 |archive-date=April 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427170301/https://www.aol.com/news/years-long-effort-widen-40-135500369.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Line 196 ⟶ 175:
{{NCint|exit
|county=Buncombe
|cspan=1415
|location=none
|mile=37.4
|exit=37
|road=Wiggins Road – [[Candler, North Carolina|Candler]], [[Canton, North Carolina|East Canton]]|lspan=2}}{{NCint|exit|county=|notes=Future interchange; construction planned to start in 2025<ref>{{cite news|url=https://wlos.com/news/local/long-awaited-candler-area-i-40-exit-project-progresses-despite-challenges-concerns-state-rep-lindsey-prather-liberty-road|title=Long-awaited Candler area I-40 exit project progresses despite challenges, concerns|access-date=August 26, 2024|last=Petithomme|first=Neydja|date=March 28, 2024|work=ABC 13|location=Candler, North Carolina}}</ref>|road=Liberty Road|type=unbuilt}}
|road=Wiggins Road – [[Candler, North Carolina|Candler]], [[Canton, North Carolina|East Canton]]}}
{{NCint|exit
|location=Asheville
Line 613 ⟶ 592:
|mile=206.4
|exit=206
|road={{jct|state=NC|US|421|name1=[[Salem Parkway (North Carolina)|Salem Parkway]]|dir1=north|city1=Downtown Winston-Salem|city2=Kernersville}}
|notes=North end of US 421 overlap; westbound exit and eastbound entrance}}
{{NCint|exit
Line 649 ⟶ 628:
|mile=213.8
|exit=214
|road=[[{{jct|state=NC|US|70|name1=Wendover Avenue]]}}
|notes=Signed as exits 214A (west) and 214B (east) eastbound}}
{{NCint|exit
Line 671 ⟶ 650:
|mile=219.0
|exit=219
|road={{jct|state=NC|US|29|US|70|dir1=south|dir2=west|city1=Charlotte}}
|notes=South end of US 29 and west end of US 70 overlap}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=219.3
Line 689 ⟶ 668:
|mile=221.1
|exit=223
|road={{jct|state=NC|US|29|dir1=north|US|70220|dir2=east|US|220|dir3=north|city1=Reidsville}}
|notes=North end of US 29/US 220 and east end of US 70 overlap; northbound exit and southbound entrance}}
{{NCint|exit
|type=
Line 875 ⟶ 854:
|location=Garner
|lspan=3
|type=concur
|mile=305.6
|exit=306
|road={{jct|state=NC|US|70|US-Bus|70|dir1=west|dir2=east|dab2=Clayton–Smithfield|city1=Garner|city2=Clayton}}
|notes=West end of US 70 overlap; signedSigned as exits 306A (west) and 306B (east) westbound}}
{{NCint|exit
|type=concur
|mile=309.6
|exit=309
|road={{jct|state=NC|USI|7042|dir1=east|city1=Smithfield|city2=Goldsboro}}
|notes=EastWestern endterminus of US 70 overlapI-42}}
{{NCint|exit
|mile=309.8▼
|type=unbuilt
▲|mile=
|exit=310
|road={{jct|state=NC|NC-Toll|540|dir1=west|name1=[[Triangle Expressway]]}}
|notes=FutureEastern interchangeterminus (underof construction)NC 540<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/complete-540/Pages/default.aspx |title = NCDOT: Complete 540 |access-date = September 14, 2020 |archive-date = September 22, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200922115020/https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/complete-540/Pages/default.aspx |url-status = live }}</ref>
}}
{{NCint|exit
Line 908 ⟶ 884:
|exit=312B
|road=Cleveland Road
|notes=Future interchange (under construction)<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i40-nc42/Pages/default.aspx |title = NCDOT: I-40 Widening - Southeast Raleigh to Clayton |access-date = November 14, 2019 |archive-date = September 25, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190925051801/https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i40-nc42/Pages/default.aspx |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= Stradling |first= Richard |url= https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/counties/johnston-county/article287831030.html |title= Get a sneak peakpeek at new I-40 exit and entrance ramps in Johnston County this weekend |date= April 19, 2024 |work= The News & Observer |access-date= April 20, 2024 }}</ref>
}}
{{NCint|exit