Alan Shapiro, director of highway operations at the N.C. Department of Transportation, points to a section of the Complete 540 project.
With a rapidly growing population and roadways becoming more congested, road-building funds are being stretched in North Carolina. As a result, tolls are becoming an increasingly important part of the solution to finance major construction projects throughout the state.
To help keep pace with the state’s transportation needs, the N.C. Turnpike Authority plays a critical role in the N.C. Department of Transportation’s operations by studying, planning, developing, building, operating and maintaining toll facilities.
In 2002, the Turnpike Authority was created by the state legislature to advance toll facilities to provide drivers more choices in how they reach critical destinations while also reducing congestion along heavily traveled routes. Tolling also provides an alternate revenue stream for building new commuter routes.
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toll roads in North Carolina are requested by local planning organizations on behalf of the communities they serve. Additionally, North Carolina toll roads must have a free alternative to ensure drivers have a choice to pay a toll or not.
Currently, North Carolina’s toll roads serve more than 2 million customers annually.