North Carolina transportation officials are bracing for heavy traffic on Interstates 85 and 95 for the next week as people head to Washington for the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama.
     
A statement issued by the state Department of Transportation on Thursday says the department will suspend work on major construction projects on I-85 North and I-95 North from Saturday, Jan. 17, until Tuesday, Jan. 20. Work will be suspended on I-85 South and I-95 South from Wednesday, Jan. 21, until Friday, Jan. 23.
     
DOT will be using message signs to inform motorists of heavy traffic conditions expected north of Richmond, Va. The department will also be working with transportation officials in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. to alert northbound and southbound motorists of any incidents and delays.