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The N.C. Department of Transportation is inviting public feedback on its updated plans to widen and improve N.C. 42 in Clayton.

The department will host an open house from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 2 at The Clayton Center, 111 E. Second St., in Clayton. 

The state agency plans to widen an eight-mile stretch of N.C. 42 between U.S. 70 Business and N.C. 50, which is west of Interstate 40 at Exit 312. The mostly two-lane highway would be widened to four lanes with a raised median, similar to the project nearing completion to widen N.C. 42 east of Glen Laurel Road in fast-growing Clayton. The project would improve safety and traffic flow, reduce delays during rush hour and accommodate expected traffic growth.

The department has updated its design maps for a three-mile portion of this project, or from U.S. 70 and the I-40 exit. In addition, the department is unveiling two design alternatives to improve the congested intersection of N.C. 42 at Cornwallis Road. (NCDOT will update the designs for the rest of the affected N.C. 42 corridor at a later date and hold a future public meeting related to the improvements.)

People may drop in during the open house at any time to look at the design maps, ask the staff questions and submit their comments about the proposal. Comments collected by Feb. 17 will be considered toward the final design.