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Complete 540

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

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


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.


The project is scheduled for completion in 2028.

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 also helps boost economic development in the 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

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, completing the outer 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.

1/7/2025 9:24 AM