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.

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

• 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.