N.C. DOT preparing for inaugural traffic congestion

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Transportation says it's preparing for heavy traffic congestion anticipated from now until next Friday because of President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration next week.

The department is suspending work on major construction projects on northbound lanes of Interstates 85 and 95 from Saturday until Tuesday and southbound lanes from Wednesday until Friday.

More than 2 million people are expected to be in the nation's capital next week for Obama's swearing in. City officials expect to shut down major routes into the city once it reaches capacity and some have estimated that traffic could back up into North Carolina as a result.

The DOT will be using dynamic message signs to inform motorists of heavy traffic conditions expected north of Richmond, Va. The department will also be working with transportation officials in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., to alert northbound and southbound motorists of any incidents and delays.