WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- The North Carolina Department of Transportation is teaming up with the Waze smartphone app to help with traffic problems during the Business 40 project.

• Officials say using the app will be more efficient 
• NCDOT will monitor construction and problems with its network then add to the app
• Project could be completed by early 2020

Winston-Salem drivers are already getting a taste of what Business 40 renovations will bring to the city.

Jason Thiel, the president of the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership says he’s been using the app for a while.

"With construction at Peters Creek interchange, I use Waze to look at different alternative ways to travel around the city," said Thiel. "It's great for directions, and for planning out trips."

NCDOT spokesperson Greta Lint says the state's department has been working out details of a partnership with Waze for a few years.

"You'll be able to be forewarned about road construction and it will give us an opportunity to post accidents much more quickly,” said Lint.

The department will monitor construction and problems with its network of traffic cameras and smart road technology then feed information to drivers through Waze. The whole goal is making sure that this work gets done as quickly as possible while minimizing the headaches for folks who drive in the area.

Contractors are working to replace the Peters Creek Parkway bridge since it's expected to be a major access road during the closure.

"It's a real merger of modern technology with a need," said Thiel.

Business 40 is is scheduled to close in November with projections that the project could be completed in early 2020.