RALEIGH - The North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) is pleased to announce the upcoming opening of Complete 540 Phase 1, an extension of the Triangle Expressway. This extension, which spans from the N.C. 55 Bypass in Apex to the I-40/I-42 interchange in Garner, is scheduled to open to traffic on September 25, 2024, at 6:00 a.m. The extension of the Triangle Expressway, also known as Toll N.C. 540, will enhance regional connectivity and reduce travel times for commuters and residents alike.
“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.”
To commemorate the grand opening of the extension of the Triangle Expressway, a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on September 24.
Ongoing Work
After the opening, project contractors will continue working to complete final construction activities at various locations along the Triangle Expressway and cross streets. Drivers can expect to see ongoing work including but not limited to lighting and signage installation, roadway work and work on toll technology with intermittent lane closures.
Bells Lake Road Interchange
Although most interchanges will open on September 25, the eastbound half of the Bells Lake Road interchange (exit 47) will remain closed until November 2024 to provide the time necessary to complete the removal of a project-specific temporary asphalt plant and subsequent construction of the interchange. The westbound portion will open to traffic with the rest of the project on September 25. While the eastbound portion of the Bells Lake Road interchange is closed, drivers can use either Ten Ten Road or Optimist Farm Road to reach adjacent Toll N.C. 540 interchanges at Holly Springs Road (exit 50) or at U.S. 401 (exit 45) for eastbound access to and from the highway.
Old Stage Road 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. The ramp is anticipated to open in November 2024. Drivers can use exit 39 at N.C. 50/Benson Road and then take Ten Ten Road or N.C. 50 to Rock Service Station Road to reach Old Stage Road.
We will continue to provide updates as we approach the completion of these interchanges.
Diverging Diamond Interchange
The 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 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.