North Carolina Construction News staff writer
A ribbon cutting will be held Sept. 24 to mark the completion of Complete 540 Phase 1, an extension of the Triangle Expressway, the North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) announced.
The extension, which spans from the N.C. 55 Bypass in Apex to the I-40/I-42 interchange in Garner, will open to traffic on Sept. 25 at 6 a.m. The extension of the Triangle Expressway.
“We are thrilled to offer this new transportation option to the community,” said J.J. Eden, Executive Director of NCTA. “The extension of the Triangle Expressway will provide a more efficient and convenient option to navigate the Raleigh region, supporting planned economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.”
After the opening, project contractors will continue working to complete final construction activities at various locations along the Triangle Expressway and cross streets.
WSP is the prime construction engineering and inspection consultant for the 10.8-mile extension of the Triangle Expressway.
Phase 2 of the Complete 540 project is currently under construction and will extend the Triangle Expressway an additional 10 miles from I-40/I-42 to the existing I-540/I-87/U.S. 64/U.S. 264 interchange in Knightdale, providing the final link to complete the 540 loop. The entire 540 loop is currently anticipated to be completed by late 2028.
Also, the eastbound half of the Bells Lake Road interchange (exit 47) will remain closed until November 2024 to complete the removal of a project-specific temporary asphalt plant and subsequent construction of the interchange.
The exit ramp from Toll N.C. 540 West to Old Stage Road (exit 43) will remain closed after the initial opening of the extension of the Triangle Expressway to complete final ramp construction activities.
A diverging diamond interchange (DDI) at Holly Springs Road is incorporated into the extension of Toll N.C. 540. This innovative interchange allows for smoother and quicker access from Holly Springs Road to the Triangle Expressway, with free-flowing left and right turns. This design enhances safety by eliminating the need for protected or permitted left turns, allowing for a more seamless and safe driving experience.
Phase 2 of the project will extend the Triangle Expressway an additional 10 miles from I-40 to the existing I-540/I-87/U.S. 64/U.S. 264 interchange in Knightdale, providing the missing link to complete the 540 loop.
Phase 2 is being constructed in two sections according to the 2024-2033 State Transportation Improvement Program:
- Triangle Expressway extension from I-40/U.S. 70 (future I-42) to south of Rock Quarry Road (R-2829A)
- Triangle Expressway extension from south of Rock Quarry Road to I-540/I-87/U.S. 64/U.S. 264 (R-2829B)
