Original I-40 includes a stretch in southern Greensboro known informally as "Death Valley" because, over the years, it has had a high number of accidents linked to heavy traffic and the merger of several highways.

Highway engineers determined the rerouting would work because large numbers of I-85 motorists now use the loop to bypass "Death Valley," removing a major source of that area's problems, DOT said at the time.

A DOT contractor began the conversion back to the original I-40 several months ago, starting on the city's east side.

The original route is about five miles shorter than taking the loop around Greensboro, but it has a lower speed limit closer to town.

It will cost about $80,000 to change the signs and redirect I-40 motorists away from the loop, Eason said.