skip to main
Menu
NCDOT
Search
Close Menu

Complete 540

​​ ​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Latest Construction Activity

​
For the latest construction information check out the Complete 540 interactive map. 
​Project Overview


When finished, the Complete 540 project will extend the Triangle Expressway from the N.C. 55 Bypass in Apex to Interstate 87/U.S. 64/U.S. 264 in Knightdale, joining the outer 540 loop around the greater Raleigh area.

While connecting surrounding towns and cities (Apex, Cary, Clayton, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs and Raleigh), the project is also expected to ease traffic on local roadways, including I-440, I-40, I-87, N.C. 42, N.C. 55 and Ten-Ten Road. The project helps boost economic development in eastern and southern Wake and Johnston counties.

Work is being constructed in two phases.

Phase 1

Phase 1 extends the Triangle Expressway approximately 18 miles from the existing corridor at N.C. 55 to I-40/U.S. 70 (future I-42). This portion of the roadway opened to traffic on Sept. 25, 2024.

​Phase 1 is being constructed in three sections according to the 2024-2033 State Transportation Improvement Program:​​

  • Triangle Expressway extension from N.C. 55 Bypass to east of Pierce Olive Road (R-2721A)
  • Triangle Expressway extension from east of Pierce Olive Road to U.S. 401 (R-2721B)
  • Triangle Expressway extension from U.S. 401 to I-40/U.S. 70 (future I-42) (R-2828)

​Phase 2

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)

Project Funding

Complete 540 is listed in the 2024-2023 N.C. Department of Transportation's State Transportation Improvement Program​ as five projects and funded in two phases:

Phas​​​e 1

  • Triangle Expressway extension from N.C. 55 Bypass to east of Pierce Olive Road (R-2721A)

  • Triangle Expressway extension from east of Pierce Olive Road to U.S. 401 (R-2721B)

  • Triangle Expressway extension from U.S. 401 to I-40/U.S. 70 (future I-42) (R-2828)

Phase 2

  • 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)

The estimated cost is approximately $2.5 billion and will be refined as the development of the project progresses.

12/4/2024 9:49 AM