Blue Ridge Road underpass delays cost millions, worsen State Fair traffic

A recent state audit reveals that delays in the Blue Ridge Road underpass construction are costing taxpayers around $20 million and adding to traffic congestion near the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, WRAL reported.

The project, initially expected to be completed by July 2023, remains unfinished, forcing drivers to navigate around construction zones during the fair, increasing frustrations.

State Auditor Dave Boliek urged the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to address the delays and improve transparency to better manage drivers' expectations and speed up project completion.

The audit identified issues such as late permit deliveries and soil problems that should have been detected earlier, contributing to the extended timeline and increased costs.

With the State Fair underway, the audit's release highlights the ongoing impact of the construction delays on local traffic and taxpayer expenses, prompting calls for more urgent action from NCDOT.