Fatal pedestrian crash caused severe backups on I-40 West in Wake County

A portion of Interstate 40 West was closed in Wake County Tuesday morning after a person was struck and killed on the interstate.

There were severe traffic delays for several hours near the I-440/US-1 interchange in Cary. The traffic jams extended to the South Saunders Street exit in Raleigh.

Sky 5 flew over the highway, where traffic seemed to be at a standstill well into the morning. Cars were also lined up bumper to bumper on a portion of I-440.

You can see where the police have closed the road. WRAL News is working to learn more about what led to the crash.

Recommended detours

WRAL's Ken Smith suggests exiting I-40 at Lake Wheeler Road to avoid delays. If you are coming from Garner or Johnston County, take Rock Quarry Road. Smith said you could also go to Tryon Road and Dillard Drive and then go back to US-1 via Walnut to get back to I-40 West and the I-440 beltline. Drivers can also take the Nordschleife of the Belt Line as an alternative route.

For traffic updates, tune in to 101.5FM in the Triangle or WRAL News+.

This is a developing story.