And then there were three (lanes) — Raleigh Beltline achieves substantial completion
The I-440 Beltline in Raleigh has now achieved substantial completion. We now have three (or more) through lanes for the entire length of freeway.
The construction of the modernization and expansion of I-440 has now achieved substantial completion of three lanes each way from the Walnut and Crossroads interchanges to the Wade Avenue and Lake Boone Trail interchanges, where the design connects with the existing 3+ lane Beltline.
Modernization as well as expansion — In addition to three through travel lanes, the design includes multiple modernization improvements to reduce through travel backups and improve safety. For example, there are now separate local lanes, as well as new flyover and ramp alignments and on-and-off auxiliary lanes, in the Wade Avenue and Hillsborough Street interchange area. Meanwhile the Western Boulevard interchange has transformed into a “diverging diamond” design — this crossover diamond interchange simplifies left turns by crossing over the main arterial movement directions at grade via two phase signals on either side of the freeway.
NCDOT has released recent drone footage of the newly modernized and expanded I-440.
Existing I-440 Beltline routing in Raleigh — Existing I-440/US 1 Beltline continues past the Wade/Lake Boone Trail areas with 3 lanes in a clockwise arc through the US 1/401/Capital Boulevard interchange, past the I-87 merge, to the I-40/I-87/I-440 interchange in southeast Raleigh, where the I-440 / Beltline designation terminates at I-40 exit 301.
Connecting with existing US 1 routing in Cary — From southwest to northeast, US 1 already had three through lanes beginning at the US 64 merge/Tryon Road interchange in Cary through the Walnut Street and Crossroads (i.e., I-40, I-440, US 1, US 64) interchanges where I-440 and the Raleigh Beltline designation begins.
Thank you and congratulations to NCDOT and the contracting team for achieving this major transportation milestone for travelers, just in time for the holidays.
While all three through travel lanes are now operational, officials are asking drivers to exercise caution while construction winds down over the next several weeks.
Let’s get moving,
Joe
