The N.C. Department of Transportation’s project to improve the I-40 interchange at Aviation Parkway will create new traffic patterns for RDU travelers beginning this weekend.

On Sunday afternoon, traffic is scheduled to shift onto the western half of the new Aviation Parkway bridge over I-40. The eastern half of the bridge will be built after the old bridge is removed.

The ramp from I-40 East to Aviation Parkway (Exit 285) and the loop from southbound Aviation Parkway to I-40 East will reopen at the same time. The ramp and loop have been closed since Feb. 16 while the new bridge was aligned.

The new exit loop from I-40 West to southbound Aviation Parkway will also open this weekend. Drivers traveling south will pass under the Aviation Parkway bridge and immediately exit to the right onto the new loop. There will be a traffic signal at the end of the loop ramp, but both lanes of traffic will be able to make a right turn only onto the southbound lanes.

Northbound drivers heading toward RDU will exit the using the existing free-flow lane onto Aviation Parkway.