Clayton, N.C – Road construction scheduled to begin on Freeway NC 42 at U.S. Highway 70 on Tuesday morning was delayed by one day, according to the Town of Clayton.
The section of NC 42 near the track will now be closed starting Wednesday morning so Norfolk Southern Railway can improve the crossing with the railway. The town sent an apology email at 9am, indicating they had no control over the actions of Norfolk Southern Railway.
A Clayton spokesman said: “Unfortunately, we have no control over the rail line or their projects. “We have to rely on the contact information they give us. Rest assured we’ve confirmed this closure multiple times… all I can do is apologize sincerely. best to everyone.”
The closure, which includes multiple detours, is expected to cause traffic delays when it happens, and the town advised drivers to plan for the changes in advance. Once rail work begins on Wednesday, NC 42 may be closed for 24 to 36 hours.
Work, which was expected to begin on Tuesday and end on Thursday morning, could now extend into Friday.
The Johnston County School District has also warned the closures could affect bus arrival times and rideshare routes.
“It was really bad,” said Karen Narron, a mother of two. “Tomorrow morning I take my son to the preschool. I go that way, I come back, get dressed, and then go home. [that way] work. It will impact me twice. “
The Johnston County School District has sent out a notice to parents that bus arrival times may be affected and students riding the bus should make sure to see alternative routes posted. Those delays could happen on Wednesday instead.
Detours will be established around the project that will take motorists from Front Street, through some areas, to Robertson Street and then back to US 70.
The 36-hour closure will allow Norfolk Southern to operate on the railroad crossing.
“The good thing – it’s in two days. As long as it’s in two days. We’ve heard earlier timelines are longer,” Narron said.
