WINSTON-SALEM -- Are you one of thousands that use Business 40 on a daily basis? If so, there are some major changes coming up that will affect your drive.

Winston-Salem city leaders along with transportation officials are preparing drivers for the major interstate shut down.

Construction on Business 40 in Forsyth County is set to begin next week, in mid-October 2017. Crews will start lane closures as upgrades begin on the first segment of the long awaited project. 

Here are the top five things you need to know about the upcoming Business 40 Highway closure:

  1. ​​Construction on Peters Creek Parkway interchange begins Monday, Oct. 23, 2017. It is estimated to last through fall 2018. What to know for now: DOT says there will be temporary lane closures with one lane open during non-peak driving hours between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. and between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  All lanes will be open between 6-9 in the morning and 4-9 at night. DOT will also detour drivers heading east on Business 40 around the interchange at night using the Peters Creek Parkway ramps starting Oct. 26 through early December. 
  2. About a mile of Business 40 will be closed for 20 months starting fall 2018 to summer 2020 (Peters Creek Parkway exit to U.S. 52)
  3. Transportation officials are trying to divert some of the 80,000 daily drivers to Interstate 40.
  4. Officials suggests drivers start identifying their alternate route now to avoid surprises.
  5. Business 40 closure will also affect about a million visitors who visit downtown Winston-Salem.

For more information on the project, click here.