Garner residents and commuters traveling on Old Stage Road are being asked to plan for a brief traffic adjustment this Friday evening. At 7 p.m., crews from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will redirect traffic onto two newly built lanes while work begins on the northbound expansion of the road.
What the shift involves
The temporary configuration will route all vehicles onto the new lanes, allowing crews to start constructing the additional northbound lanes that will eventually give Old Stage Road four lanes separated by a concrete median. The work zone stretches between Rock Service Station and Rolling Meadows Drive.
Impact on drivers
Kim Deaner, a spokesperson for NCDOT, says the shift is not expected to cause major delays. “The process of moving traffic may slow down folks a little bit, but we do most of that work overnight,” Deaner explained. The traffic shift is slated to be completed by 6 a.m. on Saturday, after which normal flow will resume.
Why the project matters
The Old Stage Road widening project is part of a broader effort to improve safety and mobility in the rapidly growing Garner area. By adding a concrete median and separating directions of travel, the project aims to reduce head‑on collisions and ease congestion during peak hours. The full four‑lane configuration is expected to be finished by spring 2028.
Tips for motorists
- Allow extra travel time on Friday night and early Saturday morning.
- Follow posted signs and any directions from NCDOT personnel on site.
- Consider alternative routes such as NC 540 or local side streets if you need to avoid the work zone.
Garner officials encourage residents to stay informed through the town’s website and local news outlets for any updates to the schedule. The NCDOT team will monitor traffic conditions throughout the night and adjust the plan as needed to keep the impact to a minimum.
Looking ahead
When the project is complete, Old Stage Road will feature four lanes—two in each direction—divided by a concrete median, providing a safer and more efficient corridor for commuters, commercial traffic, and local residents alike. The improvement aligns with the town’s long‑term vision for sustainable growth and better transportation infrastructure.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
