Examine individual changes

'{{Short description|Highway in North Carolina, United States}} {{Infobox road |header_type= |state=NC |route= |type=NC |name=Triangle Expressway |alternate_name=Triangle Parkway<br/>Western Wake Freeway |marker_image=[[Image:Toll plate yellow.svg|x35px]][[Image:Toll plate yellow.svg|x35px]]<br />[[Image:NC 540.svg|x70px]][[Image:NC 885.svg|x70px]] |map={{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-align=center|frame-width=290|frame-height=290|type=line|raw={{Wikipedia:Map data/Wikipedia KML/Triangle Expressway}}}} |map_custom=yes |map_notes=Triangle Expressway highlighted in red |maint=[[North Carolina Department of Transportation|NCDOT]] |length_mi=17.5 |length_round=1 |length_ref=<ref name=google>{{google maps |url=https://www.google.com/maps/dir/35.6882983,-78.8457123/35.9003141,-78.8751565/@35.7688486,-79.0097031,11z/am=t/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!4m1!3e0?hl=en|title=Triangle Expressway|accessdate=July 1, 2022}}</ref> |established=2011 |allocation={{plainlist| *{{jct|state=NC|NC|540}} <small>(Apex-Morrisville)</small> *{{jct|state=NC|NC|885}} <small>(Morrisville-RTP)</small> }} |direction_a=South |terminus_a={{jct|state=NC|NC|55}} in [[Apex, North Carolina|Apex]] |junction={{plainlist| *{{jct|state=NC|US|1}} near Apex *{{jct|state=NC|US|64}} in Apex *{{jct|state=NC|NC|540}} in [[Morrisville, North Carolina|Morrisville]] }} |direction_b=North |terminus_b={{jct|state=NC|I|40|I|885}} in [[Research Triangle Park|RTP]] |counties=[[Durham County, North Carolina|Durham]], [[Wake County, North Carolina|Wake]] }} The '''Triangle Expressway''' ('''TriEx''') is the first modern [[toll road]] built in [[North Carolina]], and one of the first toll roads in the United States built to use only [[electronic toll collection]] instead of toll booths. The overall freeway consists of two segments called the '''Triangle Parkway''' and the '''Western Wake Freeway'''. The six-lane Triangle Parkway extends [[Interstate 885]] (I-885) {{convert|3.5|mi|km}} via North Carolina Highway&nbsp;885 (NC&nbsp;885) in [[Durham County, North Carolina|Durham County]] to meet [[Interstate 540 (North Carolina)|North Carolina Highway&nbsp;540]] (NC&nbsp;540) in [[Morrisville, North Carolina|Morrisville]] in [[Wake County, North Carolina|Wake County]]. The Western Wake Freeway extends the total Triangle Expressway to {{convert|17.5|mi|km}} long, extending NC&nbsp;540 where it continues along to [[Holly Springs, North Carolina|Holly Springs]]. ==Description of the project== The money for the project comes from $625 million in [[Bond (finance)|bonds]] and a $387 million loan from the federal government. The [[North Carolina Turnpike Authority]] deposited this money on July 29, 2009, and on the same day the agency's executive director David W. Joyner signed contracts to pay $584 million of that money to three companies to build the road over the next 42 months, creating 13,800 jobs.{{citation needed|date=April 2013}} === Triangle Parkway === S. T. Wooten Corp. of [[Wilson, North Carolina]] built the {{convert|3.4|mi|km|adj=on}} northern section, an extension of [[North Carolina Highway 147|NC&nbsp;147]], called the Triangle Parkway, at a cost of $137.5&nbsp;million, including an electronic toll plaza on I-540. The new road opened for traffic on December 8, 2011 and extends from the previously existing section of NC&nbsp;147 (now I-885) south from [[Interstate 40 in North Carolina|I-40]] to an {{convert|2.8|mi|km|adj=on}} section of the Northern Wake Expressway. Completed in 2007, the existing section became part of the toll road on August 2, 2012.<ref name="WRALToll">{{cite web |first= Brian |last= Shrader | url=http://www.wral.com/traffic/story/10554492/ | title=State's first toll road starts collecting Tuesday | publisher=[[WRAL-TV]] |location= Raleigh, NC | date=January 3, 2012 | accessdate=January 3, 2012}}</ref><ref name=collection/><ref name=spending>{{cite news |url= http://www.newsobserver.com/news/traffic/story/69562.html |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130130064932/http://www.newsobserver.com/news/traffic/story/69562.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= January 30, 2013 |title= Turnpike board starts spending for toll road |first= Bruce |last= Siceloff |work= [[The News & Observer]] |location= Raleigh, NC |date= July 30, 2009 |accessdate= August 12, 2009 }}</ref> Originally envisioned as part of I-540, because of rules against tolls on [[Interstate Highway System|Interstate Highways]], this section is now called [[North Carolina Highway 540|NC&nbsp;540]].<ref>{{cite web |title= Interstate 540 North Carolina |publisher= AAroads.com |work= Interstate Guide |url= http://www.interstate-guide.com/i-540_nc.html |accessdate= September 8, 2009}}</ref><ref name=rename>{{cite news |title= New bit of Outer Loop renamed |first= Bruce |last= Siceloff |work= The News & Observer |location= Raleigh, NC |date= July 4, 2007}}</ref> When [[Research Triangle Park]] (RTP) was created in the late 1950s, a corridor of land was preserved to be available for the Triangle Parkway's eventual construction. Another $230&nbsp;million was spent on {{convert|525|acre|km2}} of additional [[Right of way (transportation)|right-of-way]] for the entire road. Actual tolling of the new section of road began January 3, 2012.<ref name="WRALToll" /><ref name=gantt>{{cite web |url= http://www.westernwakeinfo.com/progress_schedule.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100521045203/http://www.westernwakeinfo.com/progress_schedule.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= May 21, 2010 |title= Progress Schedule |author= Staff |date= December 8, 2010 |publisher= [[North Carolina Turnpike Authority]] |accessdate= January 11, 2011 }}</ref> === Western Wake Freeway === Granite Construction of [[Watsonville, California]], and Archer Western Contractors of [[Atlanta]] worked together as Raleigh Durham Roadbuilders to complete the {{convert|12.6|mi|km|adj=on}} Western Wake Freeway at a cost of $446.5&nbsp;million. This section of the Triangle Expressway, which extends from [[North Carolina Highway 55|NC&nbsp;55]] at RTP to NC&nbsp;55 at Holly Springs, will become part of NC&nbsp;540.<ref name=spending/> In summer 2009, work began on the freeway.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/03/30/413414/southern-wake-loops-roadwork-to.html |title= Southern Wake loop's roadwork to start in 2014 |last= Siceloff |first= Bruce |work= The News & Observer |location= Raleigh, NC |date= March 30, 2010 |accessdate= March 30, 2010 |url-status= dead |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100402222109/http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/03/30/413414/southern-wake-loops-roadwork-to.html |archivedate= April 2, 2010 }}</ref> On August 1, 2012, the {{convert|6.6|mi|km|adj=on}} second section from NC&nbsp;55 to US 64 opened,<ref name=collection>{{cite news |url= http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/07/31/2237737/toll-collection-starts-thursday.html |title= Toll collection starts Thursday on 9 miles of 540 Outer Loop |last= Siceloff |first= Bruce |work= The News & Observer |location= Raleigh, NC |date= August 2, 2012 |accessdate= August 2, 2012 |url-status= dead |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20120803003814/http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/07/31/2237737/toll-collection-starts-thursday.html |archivedate= August 3, 2012 }}</ref> with the remaining six miles south of US 64 to NC 55 in Holly Springs opening December 20, 2012.<ref name="Dec20">{{cite web | url=https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=7507 | title=Triangle Expressway to Open 13 Days Early | publisher=NCDOT | accessdate=December 17, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130321003951/https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=7507 | archive-date=March 21, 2013 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first= Bruce |last= Mildwurf |title= Stretch of state's first toll road opens in Triangle |url= http://www.wral.com/traffic/story/10476022/ |publisher= WRAL-TV Stretch of state's first toll road opens in Triangle |date= December 7, 2011 |accessdate= January 3, 2011}}</ref><ref name="gantt"/><ref name="staff">{{cite web |url= http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/triangleexpressway/ |title= Triangle Expressway |author= Staff |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |accessdate= August 5, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111123152752/http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/triangleexpressway/ |archive-date= November 23, 2011 |url-status= dead }}</ref> Tolls and $25&nbsp;million a year from the [[North Carolina legislature]] will finance the project.<ref name=spending/> ==Tolls== [[File:Triangle Expressway Toll Rate Sign.jpg|thumb|right|Original toll rates of then [[North Carolina Highway 147|NC&nbsp;147]], from [[North Carolina Highway 540|NC&nbsp;540]], in 2011]] The Triangle Expressway is built as an all-electronic toll road with billing by license plate,<ref name=spending/> similar to Maryland's [[Maryland Route 200|Route 200]] (InterCounty Connector, largely opened to traffic in 2011). Drivers can open an account and use a [[North Carolina Quick Pass]] [[transponder]], which results in a lower rate. Other drivers will have their [[license plate]]s photographed, and they will receive a bill.<ref name=spending/> The expected rates are {{convert|15|cent/mi}} for those with transponders, and {{convert|24|¢/mi}} for others.<ref name="WRALToll" /><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.wral.com/traffic/story/9212597/ |title= Toll road to cost 15 to 24 cents a mile to drive |accessdate= March 4, 2011 |last= Mildwurf |first= Bruce |date= March 3, 2011 |publisher=WRAL-TV |location= Raleigh, NC}}</ref> On May 4, 2010, the Turnpike Authority signed a contract with [[TransCore]] to provide transponders.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/05/05/467554/toll-road-wont-stop-you-to-pay.html?storylink=misearch |title= Toll road won't stop you to pay |last= Siceloff |first= Bruce |work= The News & Observer |location= Raleigh, NC |date= May 5, 2010 |accessdate= May 21, 2010 |url-status= dead |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20120928193508/http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/05/05/467554/toll-road-wont-stop-you-to-pay.html?storylink=misearch |archivedate= September 28, 2012 }}</ref> Drivers can, however, use their existing accounts; North Carolina becomes the only state to offer this option. 350,000 new transponders are expected to be issued in the first five years.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/05/07/471024/drivers-to-have-options-on-tolls.html?storylink=misearch |title= Drivers to have options on tolls |last= Siceloff |first= Bruce |work= The News & Observer |location= Raleigh, NC |date= May 7, 2010 |accessdate= May 21, 2010 |url-status= dead |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20120928193515/http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/05/07/471024/drivers-to-have-options-on-tolls.html?storylink=misearch |archivedate= September 28, 2012 }}</ref> Transponder sales began October 11, 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/10/12/1559303/sales-begin-for-toll-road-devices.html |title= Sales begin for toll road devices |last= Murawski |first= John |work= The News & Observer |location= Raleigh, NC |date= October 12, 2011 |accessdate= October 13, 2011 |url-status= dead |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20111014014928/http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/10/12/1559303/sales-begin-for-toll-road-devices.html |archivedate= October 14, 2011 }}</ref> In later years, interoperability was established with the following ETC systems: [[E-ZPass]], [[Peach Pass]] and [[SunPass]]. At the time of its opening, residents in the area have complained about the tolls, considering that the new highway is the only toll road in North Carolina, and especially since other large sections of 540 have been completed without tolls. Business people who plan to use the highway, however, claim that the time savings will more than balance out the cost.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/07/28/2228272/the-540-outer-loop-arrives-in.html | title=The 540 Outer Loop arrives in western Wake | work=News & Observer | accessdate=July 29, 2012 | author=Siceloff, Bruce | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730052034/http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/07/28/2228272/the-540-outer-loop-arrives-in.html | archivedate=July 30, 2012 }}</ref> === Toll rates === In 2018, the total trip rate was '''$3.25''' with the North Carolina Quick Pass and '''$5.00''' via bill-by-mail.<ref name="Rate Change 2018">{{cite news|url=https://www.myncquickpass.com/en/about/2018_TriEx_Toll_Rates_Schedule.pdf|title=Triangle Expressway Toll Schedule|date= June 26, 2018}}</ref> In 2022, the total trip rate was raised to '''$3.71''' with the North Carolina Quick Pass and '''$5.68''' via bill-by-mail.<ref name="Rate Change 2022">{{cite news|url=https://www.ncquickpass.com/Documents/2022-triangle-expressway-toll-rates.pdf|title=2022 Triangle Expressway Toll Rates|date= January 14, 2022}}</ref> As of January 1, 2024, the total trip rate is now $3.94 with the North Carolina Quick Pass and $6.06 via bill-by-mail. Listed below are the 2024 toll rates, starting at I-885 / Toll N.C. 885 / I-40:<ref>https://www.ncquickpass.com/app/uploads/2023/12/TriEx-Toll-Schedule-2024.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |+2024 Triangle Expressway toll rates, from I-885 / Toll N.C. 885 / I-40 !Exit !Axles !Quick Pass !Bill by mail |- | rowspan="3" |Exit 3/2 - Hopson Rd. / Davis Dr. |2 |$0.45 |$0.69 |- |3 |$0.90 |$1.38 |- |4 |$1.80 |$2.77 |- | rowspan="3" |Exit 69 - Chapel Hill Rd. / N.C. 54 |2 |$0.99 |$1.52 |- |3 |$1.98 |$3.05 |- |4 |$3.96 |$6.09 |- | rowspan="3" |Exit 66 - N.C. 55 |2 |$1.23 |$1.89 |- |3 |$2.46 |$3.78 |- |4 |$2.46 |$3.78 |- | rowspan="3" |Exit 64 - Morrisville Parkway |2 |$1.77 |$2.72 |- |3 |$3.54 |$5.45 |- |4 |$7.08 |$10.89 |- | rowspan="3" |Exit 62 - Green Level West Rd. |2 |$2.22 |$3.42 |- |3 |$4.44 |$6.83 |- |4 |$8.88 |$13.66 |- | rowspan="3" |Exit 59: U.S. 64 |2 |$2.76 |$4.25 |- |3 |$5.52 |$8.49 |- |4 |$11.04 |$16.98 |- | rowspan="3" |Exit 57 - Old U.S. Hwy 1 / S. Salem St. |2 |$3.43 |$5.28 |- |3 |$6.86 |$10.55 |- |4 |$13.72 |$21.11 |- | rowspan="3" |Exit 56 - U.S. 1 |2 |$3.43 |$5.28 |- |3 |$6.86 |$10.55 |- |4 |$13.72 |$21.11 |- | rowspan="3" |Exit 55 - Veridea Parkway |2 |$3.77 |$5.80 |- |3 |$7.54 |$11.60 |- |4 |$15.08 |$23.20 |- | rowspan="3" |Exit 54 - N.C. 55 |2 |$3.94 |$6.06 |- |3 |$7.88 |$12.12 |- |4 |$15.76 |$24.25 |} ==History== The "Triangle Parkway" was first proposed in 1958, as part of Research Triangle Park. On February 16, 2005, it was one of four roads selected by the Turnpike Authority to be built as toll roads in North Carolina. The estimated cost was $69&nbsp;million for {{convert|3.2|mi|km}} between Davis Drive and NC&nbsp;54. An additional $29&nbsp;million could be spent extending that highway {{convert|1.3|mi|km}} to McCrimmon Parkway in [[Morrisville, North Carolina|Morrisville]], whose leaders opposed the idea. The original parkway route, however, had no real opponents.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local_state/story/94130.html |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130129222957/http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local_state/story/94130.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= January 29, 2013 |title= Old RTP plan revived as toll road |first= Matthew |last= Eisley |work= The News & Observer |location= Raleigh, NC |date= February 17, 2005 |accessdate= September 8, 2009 }}</ref> At the groundbreaking ceremony in 2009, [[United States House of Representatives|Representative]] [[David Price (American politician)|David Price]] pointed out that using tolls to finance this road "was not our first choice." Instead, area governments concluded the road would have taken 15&nbsp;more years to complete any other way, so the decision to charge tolls came in 2005.<ref name=future/> The {{convert|12.5|mi|km|adj=on}} Western Wake Expressway from RTP to Holly Springs had been delayed earlier in the year, and the [[North Carolina General Assembly|legislature]] had increased the number of toll projects allowed from four to nine.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.newsobserver.com/print/thursday/front/story/370816.html |title= Tolls proposed to finish loop |first= Bruce |last= Siceloff |work= The News & Observer |location= Raleigh, NC |date= November 24, 2005 |accessdate= September 8, 2009 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> In July 2006, the legislature decided to allow the section of I-540 connecting the Triangle Parkway and Western Wake Expressway to be a toll road if the other two roads were also toll roads, even though the road was already being built.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.newsobserver.com/print/wednesday/city_state/story/466773.html |title= I-540 toll plan goes to mayors |first= Bruce |last= Siceloff |work= The News & Observer |location= Raleigh, NC |date= August 6, 2006 |accessdate= September 8, 2009 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Federal approval for the use of tolls came in January 2007. The Turnpike Authority asked that the new section of road not be called an Interstate. Just before the July 2007 opening of the {{convert|4.5|mi|km|adj=on}} I-540 section between I-40 and NC 55, I-540 signs came down, replaced with NC&nbsp;540 signs. Using the designation NC&nbsp;540, a decision made in May 2007, was less confusing than giving the road an entirely new number.<ref name=rename/> The name "Triangle Expressway" became official in May 2007, and turnpike board member Perry R. Safran said the committee also wanted the nickname "TriEx".<ref name=triex>{{cite news |url= http://www.newsobserver.com/248/story/576598.html |title='Turnpike' too gritty, but calling it 'TriEx'?|first= Bruce |last= Siceloff |work= The News & Observer |location= Raleigh, NC |date= May 22, 2007 |accessdate= September 8, 2009 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> On November 14, 2007, the board decided toll booths would not be used,<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.newsobserver.com/news/growth/traffic/story/773420.html |archive-url= https://archive.today/20120905220919/http://www.newsobserver.com/news/growth/traffic/story/773420.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= September 5, 2012 |title= Booths for tolls tossed |first= Bruce |last= Siceloff |work= The News & Observer |location= Raleigh, NC |date= November 15, 2007 |accessdate= November 8, 2009}}</ref> and on June 5, 2008, the State House voted to approve $25 million a year for 39 years for the project. This would cover the difference between expected toll collections and actual costs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsobserver.com/news/growth/story/1098225.html |title=NW Wake toll road gets House nod |first=Bruce |last=Siceloff |work=The News & Observer |location=Raleigh, NC |date=June 8, 2008 |accessdate=September 8, 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616185641/http://www.newsobserver.com/news/growth/story/1098225.html |archivedate=June 16, 2008 }}</ref> [[Groundbreaking]] was held on August 12, 2009 at the west end of [[Interstate 540 (North Carolina)|Interstate 540]] (I-540). "A dozen dignitaries" used shovels painted gold as 150 watched.<ref name=future>{{cite news |first= Bruce |last= Siceloff |url= http://www.newsobserver.com/news/traffic/story/63999.html |archive-url= https://archive.today/20120908113139/http://www.newsobserver.com/news/traffic/story/63999.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= September 8, 2012 |title= Future rides on toll roads |work= The News & Observer |location= Raleigh, NC |date= August 13, 2009 |accessdate= August 14, 2009 }}</ref> On December 8, 2011, the first leg of the Triangle Expressway opened to traffic. Toll collection began January 3, 2012.<ref name="WRALToll" /><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/12/08/1697098/states-first-modern-toll-road.html |title= State's first modern toll road opens today |first= Bruce |last= Siceloff |work= The News & Observer |location= Raleigh, NC |date= December 8, 2011 |accessdate= December 8, 2011 |url-status= dead |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20120109062743/http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/12/08/1697098/states-first-modern-toll-road.html |archivedate= January 9, 2012 }}</ref> On August 1, 2012, the second section of the Triangle Expressway, from Research Triangle Park to U.S. 64, opened. Toll collection began the following day.<ref name=collection/> On December 20, 2012, the section from U.S. 64 to NC 55 in Holly Springs opened with toll collection beginning in January.<ref name="Dec20"/> Toll rates change almost annually as required by the bond covenant created for the funding of the Expressway. Since its initial rate set at 2012, it has increased in 2013, 2015 and 2016.<ref name="Rate Change 2015">{{cite press release |url= https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=10597 |title= Triangle Expressway Toll Rate Increase Begins Jan. 1; 14-22 cents increase for traveling whole Expressway |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |date= December 30, 2014 |accessdate= January 5, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150106020937/https://apps.ncdot.gov/newsreleases/details.aspx?r=10597 |archive-date= January 6, 2015 |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref name="Rate Change 2016">{{cite news|url=http://www.newsobserver.com/news/traffic/article49209835.html|title=Triangle Expressway tolls to rise Jan. 1|work=News & Observer|date= December 11, 2015}}</ref> On January 20, 2017, the expressway was chosen as one of 10 testing locations for [[driverless cars]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsobserver.com/news/traffic/article127802734.html#storylink=cpy|title=Driverless cars to be tested on N.C. 540 Triangle Expressway toll road|last=Campbell|first=Colin|work=News & Observer|date=January 20, 2017|accessdate=February 2, 2017}}</ref> On June 30, 2022, Toll NC 147 was re-designated as Toll NC 885 as a part of the opening of the East End Connector Project.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/durham-county-news/durham-sheriff-new-names-exit-numbers-going-up-on-east-end-connector-roadways/|title=Durham sheriff: New names, exit numbers going up on East End Connector roadways|last=McCreary|first=Joedy|work=CBS 17 News|date=June 21, 2022|accessdate=June 30, 2022}}</ref> ==Future== Planned as the next phase of the Triangle Expressway and the final segment of the Raleigh Beltway, the '''Triangle Expressway Southeast Extension''' (also known as the Southern and Eastern Wake Freeways) will traverse {{convert|30|mi|km}} linking [[North Carolina Highway 540|NC 540]] and [[Interstate 540 (North Carolina)|I-540]], just south of [[Knightdale, North Carolina|Knightdale]]. Planning for the route started in 2010, but was put on hold on March, 2011 by the enactment of North Carolina Session Law 2011-7 (N.C. S.L. 2011-7). This law stated routes to study "shall not be located north of" the Orange Route, shown on maps for 20 years, potentially impacting [[wetlands]] and [[Endangered species|endangered]] [[mollusk]]s.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/01/04/898193/garner-protest-may-kill-1-route.html#storylink=misearch |title= Garner protest may kill one highway route |last1= Siceloff |first1= Bruce |last2= Campbell |first2= Colin |work= The News & Observer |location= Raleigh, NC |date= January 4, 2011 |accessdate= January 4, 2011 |url-status= dead |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110107002037/http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/01/04/898193/garner-protest-may-kill-1-route.html#storylink=misearch |archivedate= January 7, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/southeastextension/ |title= Triangle Expressway Southeast Extension |author= Staff |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |accessdate= November 6, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111030005240/http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/southeastextension/ |archive-date= October 30, 2011 |url-status= dead |df= mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite map |url= http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/southeastextension/download/ProjectMap.pdf |format= PDF |title= Triangle Expressway Southeast Extension Project Map |publisher= North Carolina Turnpike Authority |accessdate= November 6, 2011 |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20111123235458/http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/southeastextension/download/ProjectMap.pdf |archivedate= November 23, 2011 |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref name=Plum>{{cite news |url=http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/05/22/2080621/road-worrier-lilac-and-plum-may.html |title=New TriEx proposals may save Garner from Red Route |last=Siceloff |first=Bruce |work=The News & Observer |location=Raleigh, NC |date=May 22, 2012 |accessdate=May 22, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603023720/http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/05/22/2080621/road-worrier-lilac-and-plum-may.html |archivedate=June 3, 2012 }}</ref> The [[United States Army Corps of Engineers|U.S. Army Corps of Engineers]] opposed the Orange Route unless other potential routes could be found. A map unveiled August 22, 2012 shows the Lilac Route and the Plum Route, which would result in less environmental impact but would cause the loss of more homes. Planners hoped for a final route by 2014.<ref name=Lilac>{{cite news |url=http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/08/21/2283587/more-colors-fill-map-of-possible.html |title=Planners try restarting TriEx project in southern Wake |last=Siceloff |first=Bruce |work=The News & Observer |location=Raleigh, NC |date=August 22, 2012 |accessdate=August 22, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824192601/http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/08/21/2283587/more-colors-fill-map-of-possible.html |archivedate=August 24, 2012 }}</ref> On December 7, 2012, the [[Federal Highway Administration]] and the [[United States Army Corps of Engineers|U.S. Army Corps of Engineers]] replied to [[North Carolina Department of Transportation|NCDOT]] saying they could not legally evaluate the Orange Route without comparing it to another route expected to cause less environmental harm. Since there was an impasse between the Federal government and the state regarding the issue, the federal funds for the project were cut, putting the Southeast Extension on hiatus.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/12/11/2539339/federal-funding-cut-state-law.html |title=Federal funding cut, state law challenged on NC 540 Red Route |last=Siceloff |first=Bruce |work=The News & Observer |location=Raleigh, NC |date=December 12, 2012 |accessdate=December 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214105145/http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/12/11/2539339/federal-funding-cut-state-law.html |archivedate=December 14, 2012 }}</ref> A Draft Environmental Impact Statement released in late 2015 included 17 options, the Red Route included. Construction west of Interstate 40 would start in 2018 or later. The Lilac Route avoided the environmental problems of the Orange Route but like the Red Route would result in many homes being lost, and the Raleigh water treatment plant would also be affected. The Blue Route and Purple Route to the south of the others would cause the loss of even more homes. East of Interstate 40, there was no preferred route, and all of the options had problems.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/article43849269.html |title=Road Worrier: 540 Loop project offers a choice of colors |last=Siceloff |first=Bruce |work=The News & Observer |location= Raleigh, NC |date= November 9, 2015 |accessdate= December 1, 2015}}</ref> In April&nbsp;2016, NCDOT announced that Detailed Study Alternative<ref>{{cite web |title=Detailed Study Alternative # 2 |url=https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/complete-540/Documents/Complete540PreferredAlt2.pdf |website=NC DOT |access-date=23 June 2023}}</ref>&nbsp; was selected as the preferred alternative for the project. The route goes from west to east and combines the proposed orange, green (southern portion), mint, and green (northern portion) corridor segments. The Federal Highway Administration then approved the final environmental impact study for the roadway, which was published in December 2017.<ref>https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/PDEA/Web/Complete540/final-eis/_C540_FEIS_Dec_21_2017_online.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref> In June 2018, the federal government approved the entire 28.4 mile (45.71&nbsp;km) extension of NC-540 which would complete the southern loop of NC-540 around Raleigh from the current terminus in Holly Springs to the [[Interstate 540 (North Carolina)|Interstate 540]] terminus in [[Knightdale, North Carolina|Knightdale]]; the project was estimated to cost approximately $2.24 billion.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stradling |first1=Richard |title=Feds approve route for NC 540 across southern Wake. Will mussels still stand in its way? |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article212757774.html |accessdate=27 June 2018 |website=News & Observer}}</ref> However, in May 2018, a collective of environmental groups represented by [[Southern Environmental Law Center]] in Chapel Hill sued NCDOT. They claimed that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service did not properly analyze the project's environmental impacts, noting two species of endangered freshwater mussels that could be at risk.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-05-23 |title=Conservation Groups Sue To Stop 540 Project |url=https://www.wunc.org/business-economy/2018-05-23/conservation-groups-sue-to-stop-540-project |access-date=2024-02-20 |website=WUNC |language=en}}</ref> This delayed progress until August 2019, when the group agreed to drop the lawsuit in exchange for a number of concessions from NCDOT, including roughly $5 million in spending on "high quality land" within the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico river watersheds, and $4.6 million for studies on the propagation and restoration of endangered freshwater animals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stradling |first=Richard |date=August 22, 2019 <!-- 1:01 PM --> |title=Environmentalists drop objection to NC 540, after NCDOT agrees to concessions |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/traffic/article234254197.html |access-date=February 20, 2024 |website=The News & Observer}}</ref> With this settled, construction began in mid-November 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stradling |first=Richard |date=November 13, 2019 <!-- 5:26 PM --> |title=Years in the works, construction of southern leg of Triangle Expressway begins Monday |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/traffic/article237290044.html#storylink=cpy |access-date=February 20, 2024 |website=The News & Observer}}</ref> The first portion of NC&nbsp;540 from NC&nbsp;55 to I-40 was scheduled to be open to traffic in 2023, but was later pushed out to Spring 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Scott |first1=Tamara |date=23 March 2023 |title=INSIDE LOOK: Phase 1 of Complete 540 project begins |url=https://abc11.com/traffic-ncdot-i540-road-work/12997372/ |access-date=13 May 2023 |work=ABC11 Raleigh-Durham |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Retana |first1=Judith |date=20 December 2023 |title=Complete 540 project in Wake County on track for partial opening in spring |url=https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/complete-540-project-in-wake-county-on-track-for-partial-opening-in-spring/ |access-date=19 January 2024 |work=CBS17.com}}</ref> After further delays, the extension was set to have its official ribbon-cutting and opening on August 27, 2024. However, [[Hurricane Debby (2024)|Tropical Storm Debby]], reportedly, caused significant erosion along the unopened portion of the expressway further delaying the opening to vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-14 |title=New 18-mile extension of N.C. 540 will not open in August as previously planned |url=https://abc11.com/post/complete-540-project-erosion-caused-rain-tropical-storm-debby-forces-delay-opening-new-section-triangle-expressway/15185908/ |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=ABC11 Raleigh-Durham |language=en}}</ref> By August 21, 2021, the final segment closing the loop to I-87/US&nbsp;64/US&nbsp;264 was scheduled to begin the bidding process in 2025 with construction not beginning until at least 2029. Public input over the growth and development of a 15,000-acre area of eastern [[Wake County, North Carolina|Wake County]] along the lower [[Neuse River]] as well as the future southern loop of NC 540 was requested on June 23, 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Public Invited to Envision the Future of Eastern Wake along Lower Neuse River |url=https://www.wake.gov/news/public-invited-envision-future-eastern-wake-along-lower-neuse-river |website=Wake County Government |access-date=18 July 2023 |language=en |date=23 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Loder |first1=Stephanie |title=Closing the Loop: North Carolina's Complete 540 {{!}} Engineering News-Record |url=https://www.enr.com/articles/56681-closing-the-loop-north-carolinas-complete-540 |access-date=18 July 2023 |work=www.enr.com |date=26 June 2023 |language=en}}</ref> The process of completing the final segment was sped up after the N.C. Turnpike Authority (NCTA) was able to get a single environmental permit, allowing for utility work to begin. That coupled with strong local support and expected toll revenues moved the project up NCDOT’s list of priorities and the bidding process for the segment began much earlier than anticipated in Summer 2023.<ref name="Contract1">{{cite news |last1=Stradling |first1=Richard |title=The end is in sight: State awards first of two contracts to finish Raleigh Outer Loop |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/counties/wake-county/article279609064.html |access-date=19 January 2024 |work=The News&Observer |date=24 September 2023}}</ref> The work was to be done in two sections; the first one would be from south of Rock Quarry Road northward to the I-540/I-87/US 64/US 264 interchange while the second one would be from I-40/US 70 (future I-42) to south of Rock Quarry Road.<ref name="NCDOT Complete 540">{{cite web|author=NCDOT|title=Complete 540|url=https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/complete-540/Pages/default.aspx|website=NCDOT|access-date=28 February 2022}}</ref> In September 2023, it was announced that Flatiron-Fred Smith Company Joint Venture had been awarded a $450 million contract to complete the first segment;<ref name="Contract1" /><ref name="NCDOT Complete 540"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=McLoud |first1=Don |title=$2.2B Toll Expressway for Raleigh Outer Loop Moves to Next Phase |url=https://www.equipmentworld.com/roadbuilding/article/15635608/22b-toll-expressway-for-raleigh-outer-loop-moves-to-next-phase |access-date=19 January 2024 |work=Equipment World |date=4 October 2023 |language=en-us}}</ref> S.T. Wooten-Branch Civil joint venture was awarded a $287 million contract for the second segment in October 2023.<ref name="NCDOT Complete 540"/><ref name="Contract2">{{cite news |last1=Stradling |first1=Richard |title=NC awards contract for the last leg of Raleigh's Outer Loop. When it should be finished |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article282364198.html |access-date=19 January 2024 |work=The News&Observer |date=27 November 2023}}</ref> In December 2023, the Local Government Commission (LGC) approved an application by the NCTA for revenue bonds and a Transportation Infrastructure Finance & Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan through US-DOT to start construction.<ref>{{cite news |title=$1.1B Raleigh Outer Loop financing approved by Local Government Commission |url=https://sandhillssentinel.com/1-1b-raleigh-outer-loop-financing-approved-by-local-government-commission/ |access-date=19 January 2024 |work=Sandhills Sentinel |date=27 December 2023}}</ref> Construction is now expected to start once the southern extension is opened. Completion of the final segment is expected in 2028.<ref name="NCDOT Complete 540"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Thomas |first1=Aaron |title=Timeline: Triangle Expressway toll road project to improve Raleigh traffic by 2028 |url=https://www.wral.com/story/timeline-triangle-expressway-toll-road-project-to-improve-raleigh-traffic-by-2028/21274387/ |access-date=April 11, 2024 |work=WRAL.com |date=February 8, 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=McLoud |first=Don |title=Raleigh Outer Loop project enters final phase |url=https://www.equipmentworld.com/roadbuilding/article/15664288/raleigh-outer-loop-project-enters-final-phase |access-date=April 11, 2024 |work=Equipment World |date=February 16, 2024 |language=en-us}}</ref> {{clear}} ==Exit list== {{jcttop|exit|state=NC|length_ref=<ref name=google/>}} {{NCint|exit |county=Wake |cspan=10 |location=Apex |lspan=2 |mile=0.0 |exit=54 |road={{jct|state=NC|NC|55|city1=Apex|city2=Holly Springs|city3=Fuquay-Varina}} |notes=Signed as exits 54A (west) and 54B (east) and current end of NC 540 }} {{NCint|exit |mile=0.6 |exit=55 |road=Veridea Parkway |notes= }} {{NCint|exit |location=none |mile=1.3 |exit=56 |road={{jct|state=NC|US|1|city1=Raleigh|city2=Sanford}} |notes=To [[Harris Lake (New Hill, North Carolina)|Harris Lake]]; signed as exits 56A (north) and 56B (south) }} {{NCint|exit |location=none |mile=2.7 |exit=57 |road=South Salem Street }} {{NCint|exit |location=Apex |mile=4.9 |exit=59 |road={{jct|state=NC|US|64|city1=Apex|city2=Pittsboro}} |notes=To [[Jordan Lake]]; signed as exits 59A (east) and 59B (west) }} {{NCint|exit |location=Cary |lspan=3 |mile=8.0 |exit=62 |road=Green Level West Road&nbsp;– [[Cary, North Carolina|Cary]] }} {{NCint|exit |mile=9.4 |exit=64 |road=Morrisville Parkway |notes= }} {{NCint|exit |mile=11.7 |exit=66 |road={{jct|state=NC|NC|55|city1=Cary|city2=Durham}} |notes=To [[USA Baseball National Training Complex|USA Baseball]]; signed as exits 66A (east) and 66B (west) }} {{NCint|exit |location=Morrisville |lspan=2 |mile=13.4 |mspan=2 |exit=67 |road={{jct|state=NC|NC|540|I|40|I|540|dir1=east|to2=to|dir2=east|location1=[[Raleigh–Durham International Airport|RDU Airport]]|city2=Raleigh}} |notes=NC&nbsp;885 exit 1 }} {{jctplace|exit |type=trans |mile=none |place=Route transition from {{jct|state=NC|NC|540}} to {{jct|state=NC|NC|885}} }} {{Jctint|exit |state=NC |county=Durham |cspan=2 |location_special=[[Research Triangle Park]] |lspan=2 |mile=15.0 |exit=2 / 3 |road=Davis Drive / Hopson Road |notes=Signed exit 2 northbound, exit 3 southbound }} {{NCint|exit |mile=17.5 |exit=5 |road={{Jct|state=NC|I|40|NC|54|to2=to|city1=Raleigh|city2=Chapel Hill}} |notes=Signed as exit 5A (east) and 5B (west), continuation as I-885}} {{jctbtm|exit|keys=trans}} Note – Exit numbers are based on [[Interstate 885|NC&nbsp;885]] or [[Interstate 540 (North Carolina)|NC&nbsp;540]]. ==See also== *{{Portal-inline|United States}} *{{Portal-inline|U.S. Roads}} ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==External links== {{AttachedKML|display=title,inline}} *[http://www.ncdot.gov/turnpike/ North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA)] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20111123152752/http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/triangleexpressway/ North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) website for the Triangle Expressway project] *[https://www.myncquickpass.com/en/about/expressway_toll_guide.pdf NCQuickPass Triangle Expressway Toll Guide] {{Clear}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Triex}} [[Category:Toll roads in North Carolina]] [[Category:Research Triangle]] [[Category:Freeways in North Carolina]] [[Category:Transportation in Wake County, North Carolina]] [[Category:Transportation in Durham County, North Carolina]]'