The NCDOT says motorists can expect delays near Henderson. I-85 will be reduced to one lane in each direction between mile markers 206 and 214 until the end of the year.
Both directions of traffic are using the southbound lanes as crews continue paving operations on the northbound lanes as part of an ongoing I-85 rehabilitation project.
Motorists traveling through North Carolina on I-85 are encouraged to use the alternate routes listed below to help avoid delays, especially on Wednesday, Nov. 26, and Sunday, Nov. 30, which are expected to be the heaviest Thanksgiving travel days.
Motorists traveling I-85 North are encouraged to take:
I-40 East to I-540 East to U.S. 64 East to I-95 North
Motorists traveling I-85 South are encouraged to take:
I-95 South to U.S. 64 West to I-540 West to I-40 West
In addition, the off-ramp from I-85 onto Dabney Drive at Exit 213 will also be closed until December. Motorists traveling on I-85 North needing to access Dabney Drive should use the following detour:
Ruin Creek Road Exit (Exit 213) to U.S. 158 to Dabney Drive
NCDOT will be using changeable message signs to encourage northbound motorists to stay on I-40 East when it splits from I-85 North, west of the Triangle.
The NCDOT will also be working with transportation officials in Virginia to alert southbound motorists of the closure and advise them to take I-95 into North Carolina as an alternate route.
Motorists should watch signs for construction information, stay alert and obey the posted speed limit. Plan ahead before driving by visiting the NCDOT Traveler Information Management Website at www.ncdot.gov/traffictravel or call 511, the state's free travel information line for current travel conditions.
