RALEIGH – In the first six months since the Monroe Expressway opened, the North Carolina Turnpike Authority continues to see drivers saving time on their commutes, and an increase in usage.
“It is encouraging how the community is seeing the benefits of taking the Monroe Expressway,” said Turnpike Authority Executive Director J.J. Eden. “We are hearing from customers who say they are making it to appointments and home from work faster and are able to spend more time with family and loved ones.”
Monroe Expressway
- Opened November 27, 2018
- 18-mile facility stretching from U.S. 74 and I-485 to Union County, to just east of Wingate University
- 13 million transactions to date (each time a vehicle passes under a toll gantry)
- More than 129,000 transactions on heaviest travel day so far
- Class 3 vehicles (semi-trucks, and vehicle combinations with four axles) have taken more than 71,000 full-length trips
Credit Rating Upgrade
This month, S&P Global Ratings raised its long-term rating on the Authority’s Monroe Expressway Senior Toll Revenue Bonds and Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan to BBB from BBB- with a stable outlook, noting “very strong management and governance reflective of conservative financial practices and expertise that we believe will continue through the ramp-up of the Monroe Expressway.” S&P’s report further explains, “The Authority has a record of achieving its financial and operational goals.”
NC Quick Pass
For drivers who choose to use the Monroe Expressway, using an NC Quick Pass transponder is the cheapest and easiest way to pay tolls.
NC Quick Pass customers:
- Save 35 percent on tolls in North Carolina;
- Seamlessly pay tolls from a prepaid account on any facility in North Carolina and partnering states; and
- Pay lower rates on some E-ZPass, SunPass and Peach Pass toll roads.
To learn more about the Turnpike Authority, Monroe Expressway, NC Quick Pass, and upcoming projects, please visit ncdot.gov/turnpike or ncquickpass.com.