NCDOT Johnston County Traffic Notices

For the following projects by the N.C. Department of Transportation, you may encounter delays traveling through these active work zones. Details of any potential road, lane, or ramp closures can be found at DriveNC.gov; search “Johnston” to find a list of current or upcoming closures or detours.

Projects Currently Underway

The U.S. 70 Business bridge over Interstate 95 at Exit 95 is being reconstructed into a taller, longer and wider structure; the two-lane bridge over I-95 will be replaced with a five-lane bridge. In addition, the on/off ramps will be reconfigured to meet modern standards, and traffic signals will be installed at the intersections of the ramps and U.S. 70 Business. Work began in Spring 2024 and is scheduled to be completed Summer 2027.

Almost 5 miles of U.S. 70 through Wilson’s Mills is being upgraded to the future Interstate 42. The project included replacing two conventional, signalized intersections with U.S. 70 at Swift Creek Road and Wilson’s Mills Road into interchanges with bridges and on/off ramps. Both interchanges are now fully operational, but minor work will continue through summer 2025.

The N.C. 210 bridge over Middle Creek, west of Smithfield, is being replaced into a modern structure. This project requires a detour, which is posted at DriveNC.gov, until July 2025 when the road with the new bridge is expected to reopen.

Ranch Road is being extended to the intersection of N.C. 42 East and U.S. 70 Business in Clayton. As part of the project, portions of Little Creek Church Road will be realigned with Ranch Road. Construction began in 2023, and is scheduled to be completed in spring 2025.

In Clayton, the congested intersection of U.S. 70 Business and Shotwell Road will be widened for additional turn lanes, along with other upgrades, such as concrete traffic islands. Expect delays going through this intersection, especially at night when lane closures will be instituted. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.



I-95 is being widened to eight lanes (four in each direction) between mile markers 71 in Harnett County and Exit 81 (I-40/I-95) in Benson. The project also includes rebuilding bridges and ramps to modern standards. Expect reduced speed limits in the daytime and occasional overnight lane closures on I-95. Also, there is reduced shoulder access through the work zone. Completion expected by the end of 2027.

Projects Scheduled to Start Next Year

Replace the U.S. 301 bridge over the Neuse River in Smithfield with a modern structure. Construction expected to start in spring 2025. The road will not be closed for the three-year project timeline. As the new, three-lane bridge is built, traffic will be shifted off the existing two-lane bridge, built in the 1920s, onto the new bridge.

Replace the Wendell Road bridge over Buffalo Creek. Construction will start in summer 2025, requiring the road to close at the old bridge for about one year. A detour will be posted at DriveNC.gov.

Road Renaming to Take Place Early 2025

The N.C. Department of Transportation plans to re-designate U.S. 70 around Clayton as Interstate 42; at the same time, NCDOT will re-designate N.C. 42 in this vicinity as N.C. 36 to avoid confusing the traveling public between two “42” highways.

U.S. 70 Business going into Clayton from Wake Co. will revert to its original U.S. 70.

A portion of N.C. 42/N.C. 36 will be renamed as Veterans Parkway.

Lastly, for a wealth of current information visit the Project Progress Reports page on NDCOT’s site; this includes current closures and impacts for Johnston County specifically as well as general, state-wide DOT press releases and info on high profile projects.