If you drive on Capital Boulevard, heads up: it’s closed this weekend (June 16-18) for some of the work taking place. Here’s what the NCDOT sent out:
Weekend Closure of Capital Boulevard Coming Up at Wade Avenue Bridge Project
RALEIGH — Work on the replacement of the Wade Avenue bridge over Capital Boulevard in Raleigh will require the closure of the southbound boulevard lanes this weekend at the bridge. The southbound lanes will be closed between 9 p.m. on Friday and 6 a.m. on Monday, weather permitting. If the work is postponed, it will be rescheduled for the following weekend.
The closure is needed so contractor crews can remove the old concrete and asphalt on the roadway and replace it with new asphalt, creating a smoother ride for travelers.
There will be a very short detour as all southbound traffic will have to use the exit ramp for Wade Avenue, but will just cross over that road and get back on Capital Boulevard using the entrance ramp off of Wade Avenue. Law enforcement will be on hand to handle traffic control, as at times traffic on the detour will have to stop for vehicles going from Wade Avenue onto northbound Capital Boulevard.
Drivers are urged to slow down and use caution when going through the temporary detour, and to watch for detour signs and directions from law enforcement.
This is part of a $36.9 million project that will also put a new bridge on Capital Boulevard over Peace Street. The initial phase of the project is the Wade Avenue bridge. The 62-year-old bridge will remain open for most of the construction time to lessen the impact on travel. The work on the Capital Boulevard bridge over Peace Street expected to start in July.
The Department of Transportation and the City of Raleigh are working together to ensure drivers are informed of potential traffic impacts, especially when the Peace Street work begins.