Business 40 section closing for two years starting Saturday
The N.C. Department of Transportation originally announced that the two-year closing of Business 40 would begin on Nov. 11. It changed that date to Nov. 17
The N.C. Department of Transportation originally announced that the two-year closing of Business 40 would begin on Nov. 11. It changed that date to Nov. 17. “Sorry,” NCDOT says, the date will not change again because of the current wet weather.
On the NCDOT Facebook page for the Business 40 construction project, it announced on Tuesday, Nov. 13:
“To answer all the questions we have received today about the weather and road closure …. There is no change. Business 40 will close, as scheduled, on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 6 a.m. That is this coming Saturday. The extended forecast shows five clear days. This good news will allow the contractor to move forward.”
The Facebook page offers a birds-eye view into the construction process. NCDOT officials are using the site as an educational tool for adults and students. Topics will include physics, technology, chemistry, mathematics, geology, history, art and engineering. The page is available to anyone who has a Facebook account. The address is https://www.facebook.com/business40nc/.
Also, PART (Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation) and WSTA (Winston-Salem Transit Authority) are offering transportation solutions to the Business 40 closure.
The chief component of PART’s efforts is its new and expanded Express Bus Services between Winston-Salem and surrounding areas including Greensboro, High Point, Kernersville, and West Forsyth and Surry counties. These four routes will feature more mid-day runs and increased service during peak hours to accommodate a rise in passengers.
To learn more about the additional efforts and services PART is providing, or to register for one of the programs, visit www.partnc.org.
The Winston-Salem Transit Authority is offering alternatives to driving through the traffic created when Downtown Business 40 closes down.
Business 40 will be shut down from Peters Creek Parkway to Highway 52 starting Saturday. A portion of the highway between Main Street and U.S. 52 is expected to reopen by summer 2019 and the whole project is scheduled for completion in late 2020. This is expected to create traffic congestion as drivers take detours through city streets.
The City of Winston-Salem received a $7.3 million NC DOT grant to help enhance its bus services during the closure. These enhancements began on Oct. 29.
To learn more about the additional efforts and services WSTA is providing, visit wstransit.com/.
Find out more about the highway closure by visiting the NCDOT Business 40 Website at www.business40nc.com.
