Early this morning, around 7 a.m., a two‑vehicle crash occurred on Interstate 40 East near exit 278 in Durham County. The incident quickly backed up traffic for roughly two miles, affecting commuters traveling east‑west across the region.
What happened
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, two cars collided and were subsequently loaded onto flatbed trucks for removal. The crash site remains under the supervision of the WRAL Breaking News Tracker, which is providing live updates for drivers in the area.
Impact on traffic
Motorists heading east on I‑40E have reported long queues extending for about two miles. The delay has persisted through the morning rush hour, prompting the state’s traffic‑management center to advise drivers to consider alternate routes such as NC 147 (the Durham Freeway) or local surface streets where feasible.
Safety advice
Travelers are encouraged to stay alert, follow posted signage, and maintain a safe following distance. The Department of Transportation recommends checking real‑time traffic conditions on the official website drivenc.gov before departing.
Next steps
Cleanup crews are working to clear the wreckage and restore normal traffic flow. Officials expect the road to reopen fully once the flatbeds have been removed and the pavement inspected for any damage.
Motorists who experience significant delays are reminded that the state’s traffic‑information hotline remains available for the latest updates. As the situation develops, local authorities will continue to monitor the area to ensure safety for all road users.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
