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​RALEIGH – Representatives from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Turnpike Authority and surrounding communities gathered Wednesday afternoon to break ground on the Complete 540 project​. Construction will be completed in phases. The first phase will stretch from N.C. 55 Bypass to I-40, and the second will connect I-40 to U.S. 64/264 Bypass (I-87). This project, when complete, will connect the outer loop around the greater Raleigh area and provide a six-lane expressway that improves mobility and reduces congestion.

“Seeing construction of this critical project begin has been a top priority of so many across the Triangle,” said Transportation Secretary Jim Trogdon. “This project symbolizes what is achievable when everyone works collaboratively.”

Complete 540 will span through seven cities and will stretch 28 miles, extending the Triangle Expressway from N.C. 55 Bypass in Apex to U.S. 64/U.S. 264 (I-87) in Knightdale. The second phase of construction is expected to start in 2029. The estimated cost of the total project is $2.2 billion, which is being financed through toll revenue bonds and a low-interest loan from USDOT.

“The Raleigh area is booming and providing communities with more travel options that give families more time doing what matters most, is what this project is about,” said J.J. Eden, Executive Director of the Turnpike Authority. “The Triangle Expressway is one of the most technologically advanced roadways in our region. When complete, this roadway will be capable of supporting transportation advancements of the future.”



Construction is planned to begin in the median of I-40 on Monday, Nov 18. Residents can receive construction updates by following @NCDOT_Triangle on Twitter or visit ncdot.gov.



The first phase could open to traffic as early as 2023.



