Construction for a North Carolina Department of Transportation interchange project just west of Columbus has closed the exit ramp from westbound U.S. 74 to Highway 108 East (Exit 161).

It is expected to reopen by Friday, Aug. 24.

A detour sign on U.S. 74 West directs drivers who planned to use Exit 161 to instead get off at Exit 163, and take westbound Highway 108 through Columbus. 

Two message boards with the detour message are 2 miles in advance of Exit 163, and there is a message board reminder 1 mile in advance of the exit. 

Drivers need to follow detour signs and anticipate possibly needing extra travel time when going through the area. 

For real-time travel information, people may visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on Twitter.

-Submitted article