CLYDE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced that the ramp from U.S. 74 to Interstate 40 West will temporarily close while a contractor conducts maintenance.

The closure will run for approximately two weeks beginning Monday, July 20, in the Clyde, N.C. area.

“The contractor estimates a two-week closure to repair bridge pier caps which connect the bridge piers to the top superstructure,” the NCDOT said. “Operations on this ramp may conclude early with optimal weather conditions.”

Traffic heading west from Clyde should take the detour through I-40 East to Champion Drive at Exit 31 and then back to I-40 West.

Local traffic may also encounter alternate routes, including U.S. 276 West and N.C. 209 North from Waynesville, the NCDOT said.

Transportation officials advise drivers to plan ahead, anticipate delays, remain alert while driving and obey all posted traffic signs.

For more information, visit www.drivenc.gov.