For thousands of commuters, the daily drive along North Carolina’s I-40 means long delays and bumper-to-bumper frustration. With traffic snarling between Durham and Hillsborough, drivers aren’t just dealing with inconvenience—they’re facing potential safety risks, too.

Considering the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in parts of western North Carolina, road safety and infrastructure have become even more critical. While this project is unaffected by the storm, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) remains committed to easing traffic burdens by widening a 13-mile stretch of I-40 from Durham to I-85. This effort will not only improve traffic flow but also add an extra layer of durability to the road for smoother and safer trips for years to come.

DRMP is honored to be a key player in contributing to the project's success by providing construction services. Our team is collaborating closely with NCDOT to ensure thorough inspections throughout the project.

Keeping Project on Track Amid Rising Traffic Demands

In 2015, an estimated 35.6 million vehicles used I-40, leading to significant congestion and frequent delays, particularly during morning and afternoon rush hours, according to NCDOT. Traffic is projected to increase 65 percent by 2040, NCDOT states. I-40 runs across the state from east to west and connects several major cities, including Wilmington, Greensboro, and Asheville.

Our responsibilities include material sampling and testing, inspecting construction processes, and making sure erosion control measures are properly followed. Through daily oversight and collaboration with the contractor and other stakeholders, we help maintain the project’s quality and efficiency.

Our expertise in performing construction services for infrastructure projects is critical to keeping this widening project on track. With a team of eight inspectors, including our Project Engineer Joe Lowe, we make certain all CEI aspects are thoroughly covered.

Ensuring Safety and Environmental Compliance in Roadway Widening

A key challenge in widening a busy interstate is maintaining traffic flow during construction. To minimize disruption to commuters, two lanes of traffic are kept open most of the time. While traffic control is largely the contractor’s responsibility, our inspectors are on site daily, making sure safety measures are in place and monitoring environmental impacts, especially around stream crossings.

As part of the project, existing bridges are being treated with new materials to extend their service life. Polyester Polymer Concrete overlays, Silane treatments for bridge rails, and Shotcrete repairs are among the innovative techniques being used. Additionally, epoxy injection, heat straightening, and repainting of beams further improve the structural integrity of these bridges.

Environmental compliance is a high priority on this project. Our inspectors monitor the site daily for issues, such as offsite erosion and failed erosion control devices. Our team is vigilant, especially following qualifying storm events, in making sure that all environmental regulations are met.

Delivering Quality for the Present and Future

Our Construction Services work on the project began in September 2022 with completion expected by July 2027. Progress is measured according to the percentage of money spent, and we are actively guiding the contractor to meet milestones on schedule. The additional work expected on this contract may extend the timeline, but DRMP’s commitment remains the same: delivering the high-quality service NCDOT expects.

Once completed, the widened roadway will have a significant positive impact on the traveling public, reducing traffic bottlenecks and allowing for a smoother, more efficient commute. By maintaining high standards in quality, safety, and environmental compliance, DRMP continues to strengthen our reputation with NCDOT, which we hope will lead to future Construction Services projects across the state.