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Noise Walls

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Noise walls

Complete 540, also known as the Southeast Extension, extends the Triangle Expressway from the N.C. 55 Bypass in Apex to U.S. 64/U.S. 264 (I-87) in Knightdale, completing the 540 outer loop around the greater Raleigh area. 

The project will be completed in two phases.​ ​​

Phase I is the portion of the project between N.C. 55 Bypass in Apex and I-40 near the Wake/Johnston County line. 

Phase II is the eastern portion of the project between I-40 and U.S. 64/U.S. 264 Bypass (I-87) in Knightdale. Construction of Phase I from the N.C. 55 Bypass to I-40 is underway, and is being built under three separate sections and construction contracts as described below:

  • N.C. 55 Bypass to east of Pierce Olive Road (R-2721A)
  • East of Pierce Olive Road to east of U.S. 401 (R-2721B)
  • East of U.S. 401 to I-40 (R-2828)

Separate noise studies have been prepared for each of the three sections. The noise wall studies are only for the sections currently under construction. Noise studies for the existing Triangle Expressway have already been completed. The results of the final noise studies will determine the locations, heights, and lengths of the noise walls recommended for construction. 

Want to Learn M​​ore A​bout Noise Walls?

Go to ​Noise Wall Frequently Asked Questions

Noise Wall Balloting Process

Once recommended noise wall locations are determined during the final noise analysis, all property owners and tenants who are benefited by a recommended noise wall will be asked to vote for or against construction of the wall. A property that benefits from a noise wall is one that will have at least a five decibel decrease in traffic noise with a noise wall in place.

The process of collecting votes for or against a noise wall is called balloting, and it is the last step in the noise wall approval process. During this time, the N.C. Department of Transportation will contact property owners and tenants who are eligible to vote and explain the balloting process and what they are being asked to vote on. 

Recommended noise walls that pass the balloting process will be constructed. Balloting is not occurring for all noise walls at the same time. 

Once balloting is complete for a noise wall, NCDOT will send a postcard to those who were asked to vote on the noise wall to let them know whether or not it passed.

R-2721A Noise Walls: N.C. 55 Bypass to East of Pierce Olive Road

The final noise study for this section of the project is complete. There are seven noise walls recommended for construction. Information on the noise walls can be found at the link below.

R-2721B Noise Walls: East of Pierce Olive Road to East of U.S. 401

The final noise study for this section of the project is complete. There are 11 noise walls recommended for construction. Information on the noise walls can be found at the link below.

R-2828 Noise Walls: East of U.S. 401 to I-40

The final noise study for this section of the project is complete. There are seven noise walls recommended for construction. Information on the noise walls can be found at the link below.

Contact

​For more information about noise walls, please contact: 

Tracy E. Roberts, AICP
Traffic Noise and Air Quality Group Leader​
Environmental Analysis Unit
N.​C. Department of Transportation

1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1598

Toll-Free Hotline: (800) 554-7849
complete540@ncdot.gov​​

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3/4/2024 9:12 AM