Detour Near RDU Begins This Weekend

If you plan to travel to RDU from Interstate 40 East during the next two months, be prepared to add extra time to your trip. Road closures at the I-40-Aviation Parkway interchange will start this weekend when N.C. Department of Transportation crews begin realigning the parkway. Travelers to RDU will have to take detours for up to 60 days while construction is underway.

Beginning Friday, Feb. 14 at 10 p.m., crews will close the southern entrance to Gateway Centre Boulevard (opposite the entrance to Lake Crabtree Park). The northern entrance will remain open. Law enforcement will be onsite to direct traffic in and out of the complex throughout the closure. The southern entrance is scheduled to reopen by Monday at 6 a.m.

Beginning Sunday, Feb. 16 at 7 a.m., crews will close the exit ramp from eastbound I-40 to Aviation Parkway (Exit 285) for as long as 60 days. A detour will notify drivers to take Exit 284 and turn right onto Airport Boulevard, left onto Chapel Hill Road (N.C. 54) and left back onto Aviation Parkway.

The loop from southbound Aviation Parkway to I-40 East will also be closed. Drivers will be directed to turn left onto the ramp used by northbound traffic. That traffic pattern is not currently permitted, but signage will alert drivers that they can turn left to access I-40 East while the loop is closed.

RDU recommends you arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights to navigate detours near the airport, drive slowly through the work zone, clear security and get to your gate on time.