I-40 in North Carolina

[sprjus4]

This is just a curiosity question what would be the economics of two single direction lanes alternating with a more normal speed limit?

It would require a trail car. Trail as opposed to pilot. There would be a flagger at each end (probably more gate attendants) They would open the gate at one end and close it when it was empty or after a set time. The trail car follows the last car and stays in the back of all the cars. When it reaches the other end repeat the process the opposite direction.

What exactly is the benefit of doing this?

[PColumbus73]

This is just a curiosity question what would be the economics of two single direction lanes alternating with a more normal speed limit?

It would require a trail car. Trail as opposed to pilot. There would be a flagger at each end (probably more gate attendants) They would open the gate at one end and close it when it was empty or after a set time. The trail car follows the last car and stays in the back of all the cars. When it reaches the other end repeat the process the opposite direction.

What exactly is the benefit of doing this?

Agreed with @I-55, One lane is in both directions is better than alternating two lanes. It won't save much time when you have to hold one direction of traffic for however long. Both I-26 and 40 would basically be a long-term construction zone.

[LM117]

Looks like the new DDI at Airport Blvd. near RDU will open next week.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2025/2025-03-06-airport-boulevard-i-40.aspx

[jdunlop]

Looks like the new DDI at Airport Blvd. near RDU will open next week.

I didn't venture out that way today, but news reports said that the Conversion was delayed due to problems with potholes on-I-40.  IIRC, that section was resurfaced by the contractor as part of the interchange project.  No word on a new date for the conversion.

https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/diverging-diamond-interchange-near-rdu-delayed-after-major-pothole-conundrum-on-i-40/

[LM117]

Looks like the new DDI at Airport Blvd. near RDU will open next week.

I didn't venture out that way today, but news reports said that the Conversion was delayed due to problems with potholes on-I-40.  IIRC, that section was resurfaced by the contractor as part of the interchange project.  No word on a new date for the conversion.

https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/diverging-diamond-interchange-near-rdu-delayed-after-major-pothole-conundrum-on-i-40/

An update on that press release I posted says that the DDI will open Monday.

[bob7374]

As part of the I-40 widening project in Orange County, NCDOT is closing the ramp from I-85 South to I-40 East for 3 months starting this Sunday, June 1:
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2025/2025-05-29-ramp-closure-orange-county.aspx

[bob7374]

NCDOT has announced they have found sites that will be used to provide rock for the reconstruction of I-40 through the Pigeon River Gorge:
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2025/2025-06-03-ncdot-selects-sites-rebuild-I-40-helene.aspx

Guess that ends any official thoughts of relocating the interstate through the area, for now.

[wriddle082]

NCDOT has announced they have found sites that will be used to provide rock for the reconstruction of I-40 through the Pigeon River Gorge:
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2025/2025-06-03-ncdot-selects-sites-rebuild-I-40-helene.aspx

Guess that ends any official thoughts of relocating the interstate through the area, for now.

Wonder if they checked the top of Douglas Lake, which the Pigeon River eventually flows into just below Newport, TN.  Could probably use a good dredging in that area to remove the rubble that used to be in the gorge in the first place.

[ARMOURERERIC]

The migration of I 40 WB traffic to the new bridges over 74 begins Friday at 9PM

[74/171FAN]

This is really a TN item, but it closes the Helene damaged section in NC again. 

I-40 rockslide may take at least 2 weeks to repair, Tennessee officials say

[ElishaGOtis]

This is really a TN item, but it closes the Helene damaged section in NC again. 

I-40 rockslide may take at least 2 weeks to repair, Tennessee officials say

Just in time for Summer... lovely