Bypass will speed trip east of Raleigh on U.S. 70, I-40

A 10.7-mile bypass opens today in Johnston County, N.C.

The Associated Press

6/9/2008

CLAYTON, N.C. — A $123 million bypass in Johnston County will speed thousands of vehicles a day around the town of Clayton after the new road opens and relieves congestion.

The road is scheduled to open today.

Department of Transportation spokeswoman Amanda Perry said the 10.7-mile bypass is expected to carry 85,000 cars a day by 2025.

The road links Interstate 40 to U.S. 70 just west of Smithfield.

Construction began on the highway in June 2005 and it is opening a year ahead of schedule.